PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns’ front office has completed more than 15 interviews in its search for the team’s next head coach, according to a report from The Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin. While there is no official timeline, Suns general manager Brian Gregory said the franchise is making “great progress.”
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Suns general manager Brian Gregory speaks during his introductory news conference on May 6, 2025, in Phoenix. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Gregory on what he looks for in Suns next head coach:
“Unbelievable basketball IQ, tremendous communicator. Shares our vision and what we understand needs to be done to be successful in basketball in this new NBA The toughness, the physicality, all those different things and has the ability to hold the players accountable to doing that.
“Playing and having a systematic approach offensively and defensively. Those attributes, in addition to understanding this, is what our identity is, and we’re going to coach to this on a daily basis.”
Jan 19, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Incoming Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia courtside against the Brooklyn Nets in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Suns are looking for their fourth head coach in four years, which makes this search imperative. The constant turnover makes any incoming coach unable to establish any identity with the team and build a bond with the players. Owner Mat Ishbia acknowledged this problem in his end-of-season press conference, taking the blame.
After an “embarrassing” 36-46 season, Ishbia realizes that building a culture takes time. Finding a coach that matches the Phoenix community with their heart, toughness, and work ethic is the characteristics the front office is looking for in these interviews.
Names have leaked on who Phoenix is looking for a first-time head coach, with many top assistants like Dallas Mavericks’ Jared Dudley and Boston Celtics’ Sam Cassell getting notice. The work doesn’t seem close to being done, but the franchise is pleased with the progress thus far.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
