Inside the Suns' Coaching Search: Two Finalists Remain
The Phoenix Suns are reaching the final stretch of their ambitious head coach hunt. After weeks of speculation and nearly a dozen interviews, it’s come down to just two names: Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott, both rising coaching minds currently with the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s a move that signals the Suns aren’t afraid to go bold, leaning toward assistants with clear ties to player development and organizational culture instead of high-profile former head coaches.
The selection process has played out under the careful watch of the team’s new general manager, Brian Gregory. He’s pulled together multiple rounds of interviews, pulling from a wide pool of candidates ranging from veterans with NBA head coaching experience to up-and-coming assistants. In the end, Bryant and Ott emerged as the top contenders, both bringing something distinct to the table.
Who Are the Finalists? A Closer Look
For those who follow NBA coaching circles, Johnnie Bryant is a familiar face. He built his reputation with the Utah Jazz not just by running drills but by getting in the weeds with stars like Donovan Mitchell, helping transform raw ability into All-Star consistency. His knack for connecting with players and helping them maximize their skills made him a staple in Utah, and later a key member of the Suns coaching search as word of his talents spread throughout the league. Since joining the Cavaliers as associate head coach, Bryant’s fingerprints have been all over Cleveland’s culture shift, emphasizing growth and accountability—even in a crowded Eastern Conference.
On the other side, Jordan Ott’s story intertwines directly with the Suns. A member of Phoenix’s coaching staff from 2019 to 2021, Ott brings invaluable familiarity—he knows the behind-the-scenes rhythms of the franchise and connects easily with veterans and youth. Since relocating to Cleveland as an assistant under head coach J.B. Bickerstaff (incorrectly referenced as ‘Biko’ in some early reports), Ott has contributed to developing young talent and refining game strategies. His background with the Suns adds to his candidacy, offering some comfort for a franchise eager to blend fresh ideas with institutional memory.
The narrowing to Bryant and Ott wasn’t mere happenstance. After initial interviews over video calls and follow-up in-person meetings at team headquarters, their vision for the squad’s future reportedly clicked with Gregory and Suns ownership. Neither candidate carries the profile of a former NBA head coach, but for Phoenix, that’s exactly the point—the team wants to bet on an emerging voice who can connect with a roster built around stars and role players alike.
Those close to the process say Phoenix values how both Bryant and Ott relate to players while maintaining high standards. The Suns’ roster, after all, includes stars who need both structure and support. Decision-makers are looking for someone with a strong developmental record and an ability to foster both competitiveness and cohesion. Whichever of the two gets the job, the Suns will be making a clear statement that growth and chemistry are at the top of the agenda as they look to turn talent into playoff progress next season.