The Phoenix Suns have narrowed their head coaching search to two finalists: Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott. This decision comes after a thorough review of approximately eight candidates, which included second-round meetings and in-person visits with team officials.
Johnnie Bryant, an associate coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, joined Chiles for that talk on mentorship. Jordan Ott, who помогает him as an assistant coach on the team. Both coaches came to the Cavaliers last offseason when Kenny Atkinson first upgraded his staff by hiring them. Since then, they have exhibited a serious dedication to toughness, grit, and player development.
The Suns entering the coaching search after Mike Budenholzer was fired on April 14. Brian Gregory started as the new general manager on May 1. Her appointment represents one of the most sweeping changes in leadership at the top of the sprawling organization.
Through the multi-step evaluation process, five candidates emerged to the point of in-person interviews with the Suns’ management. Those candidates are Bryant, Ott, Chris Quinn, Dave Bliss and David Fizdale. The organization performed detailed self-assessments to make sure they identify the right leader to best steer their newly-consolidated fleet.
Both of the finalists have extensive experience to draw on. Prior to joining the Cavaliers, Johnnie Bryant was an assistant coach for the Utah Jazz for three seasons. He served in that same role for the New York Knicks. He was most recently known for his playing prowess at the University of Utah from 2005 to 2008. Jordan Ott has a lot of coaching experience that has gone through their program. He has provided counsel to storied franchises including the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers. He was a video coordinator for the Michigan State University men’s basketball program from 2008 to 2013. During that time, he served under legendary coach Tom Izzo.
Later this week, both Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott are scheduled to meet with Suns owner Mat Ishbia, CEO Josh Bartelstein, and GM Brian Gregory in Michigan. This has been a unique opportunity for each of the candidates to present their vision for the 12-member team. From there they will describe their plans to put their coaching philosophies into action.
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