Phoenix Suns name Jordan Ott as new head coach. This decision follows an exhaustive and comprehensive coaching search that began when they dismissed Mike Budenholzer on April 14. ESPN was able to confirm this with sources on Wednesday. This is a big step in the right direction for the franchise as it looks to improve upon a poor showing in the 2022-2023 NBA season.
Ott, who is now an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, has a chronicler’s sensitivity and journalist’s imagination in addition to this deep well of experience. He has been an active member of the NBA coaching brotherhood since 2012. Over the course of his career, this has previously taken shape through roles with the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers. His last tenure was with the Cleveland Cavaliers. As last summer approached, he was eventually brought on the staff of Coach of the Year Kenny Atkinson.
As we detailed, the Suns’ coaching search was one of the most exhaustive searches in recent memory, interviewing upwards of 15 candidates. Ott was one of six people who moved on to in-person interviews with team personnel in Phoenix. As recently as this past month, he and Kevin Bryant were the last two candidates left in contention. Ultimately, the Suns’ ownership and front office reached a consensus on hiring Ott, reflecting their confidence in his capabilities to lead the team.
Jordan Ott’s coaching principles include high creativity and freedom on offense and defense, player development, and developing an inner toughness within his players. His experience as a video coordinator with Michigan State’s men’s basketball program under Tom Izzo from 2008 to 2013 has contributed to his coaching acumen.
On the team’s side, the Suns are hoping Ott can help turn around a culture of losing. As they wishfully prepare for the offseason, they count on a robust market. About four to six teams are seriously interested and going to compete to get his expertise. In that sense, Ott’s hire is a brilliant strategic move for the Suns. More broadly, it’s emblematic of how much the NBA coaching landscape has changed over the last few years.
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