Headline: Phoenix Suns Set to Ignite New Era with Hiring of Cavs Assistant Jordan Ott as Head Coach

The Phoenix Suns have secured their new head coach.

According to various sources, the Suns are set to appoint Jordan Ott, currently an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, as their new coach. Ott has been involved as an assistant in the NBA since 2012 and previously worked as a video coordinator at Michigan State prior to entering the league.

Breaking News: ESPN reports that the Phoenix Suns are bringing aboard Cleveland Cavaliers’ assistant Jordan Ott as their new head coach. With an extensive history in the NBA as an assistant since 2012, Ott is known for his innovative approach to offense and defense, as well as his skills in player development and communication. pic.twitter.com/doDE6Fahdj

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 4, 2025

At 40 years old, Ott and fellow Cavs assistant coach Johnnie Bryant were the final two contenders for the position. The search, led by Suns owner Mat Ishbia and general manager Brian Gregory, was thorough and lasted a month and a half, considering over a dozen candidates. With Ott’s hiring, the Suns will embark on their fourth coaching change in four seasons.

Before his time in Cleveland, Ott served as an assistant for the Los Angeles Lakers from 2022 to 2024. He also spent six years with the Brooklyn Nets (2016-2022), primarily under head coach Kenny Atkinson. Additionally, he acted as a video coordinator for the Atlanta Hawks (2013-2016) and had the same role at Michigan State (2008-2013) while working under coach Tom Izzo. Notably, Ishbia was a walk-on player at Michigan State during his time there from 1999 to 2003.

Ott takes over from Mike Budenholzer, who parted ways with the Suns after posting a 36-46 record in his only season at the helm. He inherits a franchise that has experienced a rapid rise and subsequent decline over the last five years.

In 2021, the Suns reached the NBA Finals with a roster that included Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, Chris Paul, Cameron Johnson, and coach Monty Williams, but fell to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. The following season, they boasted the best record in the league, only to suffer a shocking defeat in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Dallas Mavericks.

After acquiring superstar Kevin Durant shortly after taking ownership of the team in 2023, Ishbia disrupted the existing core, but the Suns were eliminated in the West semifinals by the eventual champions, the Denver Nuggets. This led to Williams’ dismissal, marking the beginning of a coaching turnover for the organization.

Budenholzer, 55, was brought on board in May 2024, taking over from Frank Vogel, who faced criticism after a lackluster one-year stint. The hope was that Budenholzer, an Arizona native who led the Milwaukee Bucks to a championship in 2021 by defeating the Suns in the Finals, would finally deliver a title to the Suns.

However, the season was marred by injuries and inconsistent performances, resulting in the Suns missing the playoffs altogether.

The season began with high hopes as the team achieved an 8-1 record, but the momentum shifted dramatically when Durant suffered a calf strain, leading to a downward spiral. Though the 15-time All-Star returned a few weeks later, Phoenix struggled to regain their initial form.

Budenholzer’s inability to establish a consistent rotation was evident, with rookies Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro playing substantial minutes one game and sitting the next. Veteran center Jusuf Nurkic experienced a poor start to the season and later expressed frustration over communication issues with Budenholzer before being traded to the Charlotte Hornets.

While Durant and Booker maintained relative health throughout the season, swingman Bradley Beal faced ongoing injury challenges, missing over 20 games for the sixth consecutive year.

As the trade deadline approached, the Suns attempted to make adjustments, but difficulties arose due to Beal’s no-trade clause and the team’s salary cap situation, preventing any significant moves.

Budenholzer’s exit seems to signal a forthcoming roster overhaul for a franchise that has struggled to meet expectations for three straight seasons. With Ishbia’s determination to win backed by his financial resources, most decisions he has made since taking ownership in February 2023 have not gone as planned.

This report includes information from The Associated Press.