The Phoenix Suns have narrowed their coaching search to at least five candidates, according to a report by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
The organization is moving forward with interviews for Jordan Ott, Johnnie Bryant, Sean Sweeney, Chris Quinn, and Dave Bliss, league sources told Scotto.
Ott, who worked as an assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets before joining the Cleveland Cavaliers, is known for his player development and offensive coordination.
Bryant, also currently on the Cavaliers’ coaching staff, has built a strong reputation across the league for his mentorship of guards and tactical insight.
Sweeney, an assistant under Jason Kidd with the Dallas Mavericks, has received praise for his defensive schemes and locker room leadership.
Quinn, a longtime assistant with the Miami Heat under Erik Spoelstra, is viewed as one of the most seasoned candidates on the list, having interviewed for multiple head coaching roles in recent years.
Bliss, who has worked with the Oklahoma City Thunder, rounds out the group and brings experience from one of the league’s top young coaching staffs.
The Suns’ front office is led by newly appointed general manager Brian Gregory, who took the reins on May 1 following a disappointing 2024–25 campaign that ended without a playoff berth.
Phoenix dismissed head coach Mike Budenholzer on April 14, just one year after hiring him, following a 36–46 finish and an 11th-place spot in the Western Conference.
Under team owner Mat Ishbia, this marks the third straight offseason the Suns are undergoing a head coaching change.
Phoenix enters the 2025–26 season with the trio of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal still under contract, but after two straight early exits and a missed postseason, the franchise is under pressure to find a stable and effective leader.
According to Scotto’s report, more candidates could be interviewed, but these five are firmly in contention as the Suns intensify their search.
No timeline has been provided for a final decision, though league sources indicate the front office aims to have a head coach in place before the 2025 NBA Draft in June.
