The search for the Phoenix Suns’ next head coach is narrowing, with recent reports confirming that Jordan Ott and Johnnie Bryant are among the final candidates. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the two Cleveland Cavaliers assistants will meet with Suns owner Mat Ishbia, general manager Brian Gregory, and CEO Josh Bartelstein in Michigan.
Bryant, who joined the Cavaliers as an associate head coach last offseason, has an extensive background, having previously served as an assistant for both the Utah Jazz and New York Knicks. Meanwhile, Ott has been associated with notable coaching staffs at the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, and Los Angeles Lakers, and has a prior connection to Ishbia through their shared history at Michigan State. Ott was also in contention last year for the Charlotte Hornets’ head coaching position.
Earlier in the process, reports indicated that Chris Quinn, an assistant coach with the Miami Heat and a former NBA player, was also considered a strong finalist. Quinn has spent over a decade under head coach Erik Spoelstra and has even taken the lead as acting head coach during Spoelstra’s absences. Both Quinn and Ott were predicted to advance in the selection process, along with Cleveland assistant Johnnie Bryant and Dallas assistant Sean Sweeney, confirming their strong candidacies.
The Suns had initially evaluated a wide pool of candidates, narrowing it down from 15 to 20 to just four finalists now regarding the head coaching position. The decision is expected to be made by the end of the week, signaling a swift resolution to this important search for the franchise.
Given the experience and potential of these finalists, there is optimism surrounding the future direction of the Suns, as they aim to reinforce their coaching staff and continue their competitive efforts in the NBA.