Who is the new Head Coach of the Phoenix Suns?
By Shawn Stewart
The Phoenix Suns has announced that Jordan Ott is their new head coach on Friday following the firing of Mike Budenholzer.
With Jordan Ott being the official Head Coach of the Phoenix Suns, he is the 23rd head coach in franchise history.
Ott spent the past year as an assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers under head coach Kenny Atkinson. Cavs associate head coach Johnnie Bryant and Ott were reportedly the two finalists for Phoenix’s opening.
“After an extensive head coach search, Jordan’s leadership and basketball intellect consistently stood out, combining a brilliant mind as an offensive strategist with the blueprint to employ an aggressive defensive system,” Suns general manager Brian Gregory said in a release.
“A strong communicator with a relentless work ethic, he shares our vision of establishing a team identity rooted in toughness, accountability and a systematic approach to the game. Jordan attacks every day with the grit and competitiveness we need in a leader of our culture, and we are excited to welcome him and his family to Phoenix.”
“To be named the head coach of the Phoenix Suns is a dream come true, and it is a privilege to take on the responsibility of leading this team,” Ott said in the team’s press release. “I would like to thank Mat Ishbia, Brian Gregory and Josh Bartelstein for this incredible opportunity. My goal is to build a culture that across all levels – from coaches to players to support staff – will work hard every single day to put a product on the floor that makes our fans proud.”
Ott, who served as a Michigan State video coordinator from 2008-12, entered the NBA in the same capacity with the Atlanta Hawks under then-head coach Mike Budenholzer, his Phoenix predecessor, from 2013-16.
Ott spent 2016-22 as an assistant with the Brooklyn Nets, working under head coaches Atkinson, Steve Nash, and briefly, Jacque Vaughn.
The assistant moved across the country for a job with Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham’s staff from 2022-24 before rejoining Atkinson with the Cavaliers this past year. There, he is credited with helping define the NBA’s best offense during the regular season. Ott also had a hand in the development of NBA Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley.
Ott has coached on playoff teams in 10 of his 12 NBA seasons.
“Jordan embodies the culture of excellence and accountability we’re going to prioritize,” Suns owner Mat Ishbia said in the team’s announcement. “He is young, hungry and is ready to be an NBA head coach. His track record of developing players, fostering team chemistry, and his understanding of the game at the highest level are essential skills to how we are building for our future.”