The Phoenix Suns have narrowed their list for the next head coach to eight candidates. These eight candidates will advance to a second round of interviews over the next week.
The eight candidates are Sean Sweeney, David Fizdale, James Borrego, Johnnie Bryant, Jordan Ott, Steve Hetzel, Micah Nori and Dave Bliss.
Sweeney is currently an assistant coach on Jason Kidd’s staff with the Dallas Mavericks. He’s also coached with the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons.
Fizdale is a Suns assistant coach. He was previously the head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks.
Borrego is a Pelicans assistant coach. He was previously an interim head coach with the Orlando Magic and the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets.
Bryant is an assistant on Kenny Atkinson’s staff with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Bryant has also been an assistant with the Utah Jazz and Knicks.
Ott is also an assistant with the Cavaliers. He’s also coached with the Nets and Los Angeles Lakers.
Hetzel is an assistant with the Nets. He’s also coached with the Pistons. Hornets, Magic and Portland Trail Blazers.
Nori is an assistant coach on Chris Finch’s staff with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He filled in as the sideline coach when Finch was recovering from a leg injury during last season’s playoffs. Nori has also coached with the Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets and Pistons.
Bliss is an assistant with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He’s also coached with the Knicks.