Phoenix Suns Narrow Coaching Search: Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott Finalists

JovanniSports2025-06-202463

The Phoenix Suns are in the midst of a crucial decision as they narrow down their search for their next head coach. Two finalists have emerged from a pool of eight candidates, with Cleveland Cavaliers associate head coach Johnnie Bryant and assistant Jordan Ott in the running. Both Bryant and Ott have just completed their first season on the Cavs' coaching staff under head coach Kenny Atkinson, who was named NBA Coach of the Year. The Suns' head-coaching position has been open since Mike Budenholzer was fired on April 14, and the team is looking to make a change after finishing 11th in the West with a 36-46 record. While the team featured Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, they struggled defensively, finishing 13th in offensive rating and fourth-worst in the league defensively. The Suns' new head coach will be the third in three seasons since Mat Ishbia became the team's majority owner in December 2022. Monty Williams and Frank Vogel preceded Budenholzer on the Suns' sideline. Johnnie Bryant brings a wealth of experience to the table, having served as an associate head coach with the New York Knicks for four seasons and spending 10 years with the Utah Jazz as an assistant and in player development. Jordan Ott, on the other hand, was an assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers for two seasons before joining the Cavs. He also coached with the Brooklyn Nets for six years, including four with Atkinson, and was a video coordinator at Michigan State. The Suns' decision will be a crucial one, as all five of the NBA's openings will go to first-time coaches this season. However, Phoenix is the only team that actually conducted a full search while the other four promoted interim coaches. Memphis kept Tuomas Iisalo, Doug Christie got the top job in Sacramento, Denver elevated David Adelman, and San Antonio retained Mitch Johnson. With Booker's involvement in the coaching search, it appears that the Suns intend to keep their second-leading scorer. The 10-year veteran is signed for three more seasons and Phoenix intends to offer him a two-year, $149.8 million extension when he's eligible for it this summer. Booker averaged 25.6 points and 7.1 assists per game last season. The Suns' new head coach will have a tough task ahead of them, as they aim to improve their defensive performance and push for a better record in the Western Conference. With Bryant and Ott as finalists, the decision will ultimately come down to which candidate best fits the team's needs and vision for the future.

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Malik

The Phoenix Suns' coaching search has narrowed to Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott, two candidates with unique blend of on-court experience and offensive philosophy that could rejuvenate the franchise.

2025-07-05 05:27:19 reply
Riley

The close competition between talented finalists Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott for the Phoenix Suns' coaching position underscores how critical a strategic decision this could be, harnessing new ideas while recognizing experienced leadership in seeking to revitalize an old team spirit.

2025-07-05 05:27:35 reply
Saphira

The slimmed-down coaching selection process for the NBA's Phoenix Suns has boiled down to a final duel between respected veterans Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott, two candidates poised at launching an exciting new era with their unique战术 vision.

2025-07-11 01:51:18 reply

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