The desert heat isn’t the only thing rising in Phoenix. The intensity of the Phoenix Suns head coach search has reached a fever pitch, culminating in the announcement of two formidable finalists: Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott. Both currently serving as highly respected assistant coaches under Kenny Atkinson with the Cleveland Cavaliers, their emergence signifies a pivotal moment for a Suns franchise eager to recalibrate and reclaim its competitive edge. This final stage of the rigorous selection process, which began with over 15 candidates and meticulously whittled down to two, highlights the organization’s commitment to finding the ideal leader for their next chapter.
The journey to this final pairing has been exhaustive, reflecting the high stakes involved for a team that has cycled through four head coaches in as many seasons since the end of the 2021-22 campaign. Following the dismissal of Mike Budenholzer on April 14, the Suns’ front office, led by new general manager Brian Gregory and owner Mat Ishbia, cast a wide net. Initial interviews paved the way for second-round discussions with eight candidates, eventually leading to six in-person sessions that included notable names like Chris Quinn of the Miami Heat, Sean Sweeney from the Dallas Mavericks, and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Dave Bliss, along with internal candidate David Fizdale. The ultimate narrowing to Bryant and Ott speaks volumes about their perceived fit and potential impact.
Johnnie Bryant, the Cavaliers’ associate head coach, brings a wealth of experience to the table. At 39 years old, he has spent over a decade honing his craft in the NBA. His coaching journey includes significant stints with the Utah Jazz from 2012 to 2020, where he earned a reputation for player development, particularly with guards like Donovan Mitchell. He then moved to the New York Knicks, serving as associate head coach from 2020 to 2024, contributing to their resurgence before joining the Cavaliers this past season. Bryant’s background as a collegiate player at the University of Utah further underscores his deep understanding of the game from a fundamental perspective. His history suggests a coach who prioritizes skill refinement and strategic offensive execution, traits that could significantly benefit a Suns roster already featuring elite scoring talent.
On the other side of the coin is Jordan Ott, a 40-year-old assistant coach whose trajectory has been equally impressive. His resume boasts diverse experiences across several NBA franchises, including the Atlanta Hawks (video coordinator, 2013-2016), Brooklyn Nets (assistant coach, 2016-2022), and Los Angeles Lakers (assistant coach, 2022-2024), before his recent tenure with the Cavaliers. Notably, Ott’s early career included a stint as a video coordinator under legendary collegiate coach Tom Izzo at Michigan State University from 2008 to 2013. This connection to Michigan State is particularly intriguing given Suns owner Mat Ishbia’s own history as a walk-on player for Izzo’s Spartans, and general manager Brian Gregory also having coached there. This shared institutional background could be a powerful, underlying factor in Ott’s candidacy, hinting at a philosophical alignment with the ownership.
The shared experience of both Bryant and Ott on Kenny Atkinson’s highly successful Cavaliers staff this past season adds considerable weight to their candidacies. The Cavaliers finished with an Eastern Conference-best 64 wins and led the league in offensive efficiency, while also demonstrating solid defensive principles. This collective success suggests both coaches are adept at contributing to a winning culture and implementing effective schemes on both ends of the floor. For the Suns, who underperformed defensively and lacked offensive consistency at times last season, bringing in a coach from such a well-oiled machine could be transformative.
The final interviews, scheduled to take place in Michigan with Ishbia, CEO Josh Bartelstein, and general manager Brian Gregory, will be crucial. While both candidates lack prior NBA head coaching experience, their proven track records as key assistants suggest they are ready for the leap. The Suns’ choice for their next Phoenix Suns head coach will not only define the team’s on-court strategy but also signal the organizational philosophy moving forward. With star guard Devin Booker reportedly involved in the decision-making, the chosen coach will likely be tasked with maximizing the current roster, while potentially navigating significant future roster moves. The anticipation for the official announcement is palpable, as the Phoenix Suns prepare to usher in a new era under fresh leadership.
