The Valley continues to take its time finding a new head coach.
The Phoenix Suns’ search for a head coach is ramping up. The Valley is expected to begin their second round of coaching interviews this week and be down to three or four candidates next week, with the head coaching process to go into “late May, early June,” according to Arizona Sports Insider John Gambadoro.
As reported by numerous sources, the nine finalists to replace Mike Budenholzer are: Dallas Mavericks assistant Sean Sweeney, Suns assistant David Fizdale, New Orleans Pelicans assistant and former Charlotte Hornets head coach James Borrego, Cleveland Cavaliers assistants Johnnie Bryant and Jordon Ott, Brooklyn Nets assistant Steve Hetzel, Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, Oklahoma City Thunder assistant Dave Bliss, and Miami Heat assistant Chris Quinn.
According to Gambadoro, Quinn, after he heard he had “a terrific interview,” Nori, who took over last year after Wolves head coach Chris Finch got hurt in the playoffs, Sweeney, a defensive minded head coach, and Ott a more offensive minded coach are the most likely to advance to the next round. Both Fizdale and Borrego are considered “long shots” to advance.
Whoever they hire, it’ll be the fourth coach in four seasons for the Suns. Compared to their last two head coaching hiring processes, the Suns are looking for a younger voice to coach the roster.
Stay tuned to Bright Side as we continue to navigate this long and winding road towards a new head coach for the team.
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