The Suns put out a press release on Tuesday formally announcing their team of assistants under first-year head coach Jordan Ott, but the club is making one more notable addition to its staff that wasn’t included in that announcement, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link).
Phoenix is hiring former NBA head coach Steve Clifford as a coaching advisor, sources tell Scotto.
Clifford, who will turn 64 next month, had multiple stints as the Hornets’ head coach from 2013-18 and 2022-24. He also coached the Magic from 2018-21. Overall, he compiled a regular season record of 340-461 (.424) in Charlotte and Orlando, earning four playoff appearances across 10 seasons.
Clifford also has no shortage of experience as an NBA assistant, including stints with the Knicks, Rockets, Magic, and Lakers from 2001-13. Prior to his first NBA job, he worked as a college assistant and head coach for about a decade-and-a-half.
When the Suns were in the process of filling out Ott’s staff, reporting indicated that the team was seeking a lead assistant with previous head coaching experience. Phoenix didn’t end up finding anyone who fit that bill, with Jesse Mermuys, DeMarre Carroll, and Brian Randle expected to occupy the top three front-of-bench spots under Ott.
By bringing aboard Clifford in an advisory role, the Suns are providing Ott with a more experienced confidant who can help him navigate his first year as a head coach.