The Phoenix Suns are in the midst of searching for a new head coach, and they are considering two candidates currently with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
One of the finalists is Johnny Bryant, a former associate coach with the Knicks. He is joined by Cleveland’s associate head coach Jordan Otto, according to reports from this past Monday.
Bryant’s coaching career began with the Jazz, and he spent four seasons in New York between 2020 and 2024.
He is now set to meet with Matt Ishbia, the Suns’ owner, as well as General Manager Brian Gregory, with the possibility of a decision coming shortly.
Having just wrapped up his 11th season in the NBA, Bryant contributed to the Cavaliers achieving a remarkable 64-18 record, the best in the Eastern Conference. Along with head coach Kenny Atkinson, they finished first in offensive efficiency and eighth in defensive efficiency.
Despite these accolades and high expectations, Cleveland was unexpectedly eliminated in the semi-finals by the Pacers in six games.
Bryant and Otto joined the Cavaliers’ staff in the summer of 2024, marking the beginning of Atkinson’s recruiting efforts.
Since firing Mike Budenholzer in April and appointing Gregory as the new GM in May, the Suns have been actively looking for their next head coach.
Gregory has conducted over 15 interviews, narrowing down the candidates through several rounds that included Bryant, Otto, Chris Quinn from Miami, Sean Sweeney from Dallas, Oklahoma City’s Dave Bliss, as well as former Knicks coach David Fisdale.
The search has now moved to in-person interviews in the past week.
Given that this coaching vacancy is significant this offseason, the Suns appear to be taking their time to ensure they find the right fit.
