PHOENIX – Candidates throughout the association have come out to interview for the Phoenix Suns head coaching position. Top assistants from the best opposing teams have interviewed with general manager Brian Gregory on restoring the franchise back to his heights. However, one of the top options is Suns assistant David Fizdale, who is one of the few candidates with head coaching experience.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Fizdale is well-respected for his defensive gameplans and strageties that has impressed the front office. According to The Arizona Repbulic’s Duane Rankin, even if Fizdale isn’t hired to be the next head coach, he’s likely to remain with the franchise.
Feb 1, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Phoenix Suns assistant coach David Fizdale looks on during warm ups before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Rankin on Fizdale’s status with Suns:
“League sources informed The Republic that Phoenix has placed great emphasis on asking candidates about their defensive philosophy, defensive strategies, game plans and coverage schemes. If Fizdale doesn’t land the Suns head coaching job, there’s a chance he’ll remain in Phoenix as an assistant coach.”
Mar 27, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel, right, with assistant coach David Fizdale in the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans won, 116-108. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Fizdale was brought to Phoenix under Frank Vogel’s regime, after the duo were together with the Los Angeles Lakers. Even after Vogel’s firing, Fizdale remained with the team as Mike Budenholzer assumed the head coaching position. Now, as Gregory is looking for Budenholzer’s replacement, Fizdale is likely to again remain with the team despite the coaching change.
The 50-year-old head coach has been in the NBA since 2003, starting as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors. He would be coach for the Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat before getting his first head coaching opportunity with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Sep 30, 2019; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale speaks to the media during media day at the MSG training center in Greenburgh, NY. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Fizdale was fired only after two seasons with the Grizzlies and quickly got a job with the New York Knicks. His stint in the Big Apple was short, coaching only 104 games and finished with a 21-83 record.
In his two seasons with the Suns, Fizdale has impressed the organization with his presence and has earned an opportunity to remain in the Valley.
Suns coaching search shifting to in-person interviews in final round
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
