PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns head coaching search has been extensive to say the least. Newly-hired general manager Brian Gregory has led the charge with dozens candidates interviewed multiple times. The Zoom interviews are shifting towards in-person in the head coach search’s final stage. While the final contenders aren’t known, NBA Insider Marc Stein gave an update of the top three that have made the biggest impression within the organization.
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Mercury owner Mat Ishbia announces the Ring of Honor proceedings during the home opener at the Footprint Center on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
Stein on Suns head coaching search:
“There have been rumbles in coaching circles that both Miami’s Chris Quinn and Dallas’ Sean Sweeney have made strong impressions in the interview process to date among the numerous assistant coaches that the Suns have spoken to since the process commenced.
“Cleveland’s Jordan Ott — one of two Michigan State alumni who advanced to the second round of the search — is another name to watch. Beyond his coaching credentials after stints with the Hawks, Nets, Lakers and Cavaliers, Ott’s alma mater cannot be discounted as a factor given that Suns owner Mat Ishbia is never shy about his Spartan ties.”
Apr 3, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Miami Heat assistant coach Chris Quinn addresses the media before a game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
After a six-year professional basketball career, Quinn returned to Miami to begin his coaching career as a player development coach. Throughout the next decade, Quinn rose the ranks of the Heat’s coaching staff into one Erik Spoelstra’s top assistants. The 41-year-old fits the mold of a young, defensive-minded head coach to shift the franchise.
Feb 28, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Sean Sweeney during warmups before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Indiana Pacers the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sweeney has a journeyman coaching career, being an assistant for four teams. Throughout his career, he has had a close-knitted relationship with Jason Kidd, following the Hall of Famer from Brooklyn to Milwaukee for the first five years of his career. Sweeney went to Detroit for a three-year stint, leaving after Kidd was hired as the Dallas Mavericks head coach in 2021.
Under their regime, Dallas has made the Western Conference Finals twice and last year’s NBA Finals. The trade of superstar Luka Doncic has changed the franchise’s trajectory and understandably could see coaches, like Sweeney, leave to find a new home that fit their ideals.
Aug 12, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Brooklyn Nets Summer League head coach Jordan Ott reacts during a game against the Washington Wizards at Cox Pavillion. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Suns owner Mat Ishbia fascination with his Alma Mater Michigan State has fans groaning at the name of Jordan Ott. Regardless of Ott’s connection with the Spartans, he was on the coaching staff of a sensational Cleveland Cavaliers team that went 64-18. Ott doesn’t have the years of experience to his fellow candidates, but has been a part of winning franchise throughout his seven year NBA coaching career.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
