PHOENIX – ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania revealed the final two candidates for the Phoenix Suns head coaching job in Cleveland Cavaliers assistants Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott. The month-long coaching search is in its final stage with the two finalists set to meet with owner Mat Ishbia in Michigan on Tuesday to have one final interview before a decision is made by the end of the week.
Phoenix Suns’ general manager Brian Gregory speaks with the media on May 6, 2025. Credit – J Russell (Burn City Sports)
Charania on Suns head coaching search:
Bryant has the edge on experience, being a top assistant around the league for the past decade. He has been under the tutelage of Quinn Snyder, Tom Thibodeau and Kenny Atkinson. The 39-year-old was the top assistant with the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the past two seasons and is primed for his first head coaching job with Phoenix.
Oct 26, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) speaks to Cleveland Cavaliers associate head coach Johnnie
Bryant during a time out in the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
While less experience, Ott is regarded as a creative, offensive mastermind and has helped the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angles Lakers and the Cavaliers rejuvenate the offense. Cleveland’s 121.0 offensive rating was the best in the league. Ott was with Atkinson in Brooklyn and spent reunited last season with him in Cleveland for his seventh season in the NBA.
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
Gregory has led the charge of narrowing the wide field of candidates to the final two and now will bring the coaches to Ishbia to help in the final decision. The Suns owner had no dictation on picking the final two candidates but will meet face-to-face with both before the decision is finalized.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
