The Suns issued a press release on Tuesday officially unveiling the full roster of assistant coaches who will work under first-year head coach Jordan Ott.
However, the organization is quietly making one more significant addition to its staff that wasn’t included in that announcement, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Phoenix is set to hire former NBA head coach Steve Clifford as a coaching advisor, sources tell Scotto.
Clifford, who will celebrate his 64th birthday next month, brings a wealth of experience from multiple head coaching stints in the league. He served as the Hornets’ head coach from 2013-18 and again from 2022-24, and led the Magic from 2018-21.
Over the course of his career in Charlotte and Orlando, Clifford amassed a 340-461 (.424) regular-season record, guiding his teams to four playoff appearances over 10 seasons.
Beyond his head coaching credentials, Clifford has extensive experience as an NBA assistant. Between 2001 and 2013, he worked with the Knicks, Rockets, Magic, and Lakers, honing the skills and knowledge that he would later bring to head coaching roles.
Before entering the NBA ranks, he spent roughly 15 years in college basketball, serving as both an assistant and head coach.
During the process of assembling Ott’s staff, reports suggested the Suns were searching for a lead assistant with prior head coaching experience.
The team ultimately did not find a candidate who fit that specific profile, leaving Jesse Mermuys, DeMarre Carroll, and Brian Randle to fill the top three front-of-bench roles under Ott.
By bringing Clifford on board in an advisory capacity, the Suns are effectively providing Ott with a seasoned mentor and trusted advisor, someone who can offer guidance and support as he navigates the challenges of his inaugural season as an NBA head coach.
Suns Hiring Steve Clifford As Coaching Advisor https://t.co/RyyVJAPVHo pic.twitter.com/oZUoNScroK
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) August 13, 2025
