The Phoenix Suns have narrowed their coaching search down to 8 candidates, according to Chris Haynes.
Haynes said this is “round two” after an extensive first round with several candidates.
Sources: On Haynes Briefs, reporting on the Phoenix Suns narrowing the coaching search to the Elite 8 of candidates. Identifying the candidates and what the franchise is looking for. #haynesbriefs https://t.co/qAoZ2HFRqA
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 18, 2025
Haynes said the Suns' new General Manager Brian Gregory is “running the show” and the coaching search in Phoenix, as expected. The second round is about to start after the list has shrunk down to eight candidates.
Here is the full list of candidates:
Sean Sweeney (Mavs)
David Fizdale (Suns)
James Borrego (Pelicans)
Johnnie Bryant (Cavs)
Jordan Ott (Cavs)
Steve Hetzel (Nets)
Micah Nori (Wolves)
Dave Bliss (Thunder)
The 8 coaches that advanced:
Sean Sweeney
David Fizdale
James Borrego
Johnnie Bryant
Jordan Ott
Steve Hetzel
Micah Nori
Dave Bliss https://t.co/OKTvproOQT
— Zona (@AZSportsZone) May 18, 2025
I am surprised not to see any of Royal Ivey, Chris Quinn, or Sam Cassell in there.
Micah Nori and Johnnie Bryant are the two who seem the most interesting right off the bat. Nori is in the Western Conference Finals with the Wolves, so they will likely have to wait on him.
The oldest candidates are 51 (Nori), 50 (Fizdale), and 47 (Borrego) with the rest of the group in their early 40’s and late 30’s.
NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers at Washington Wizards Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Haynes mentions that building a program and “connecting with the stars” are two of the key points they are looking for in this search. Two things they lacked in recent years.
Overall, this list is underwhelming in my opinion.
Who is your top target in this group? Who should’ve been in the mix? Let us know in the comments.