The Phoenix Suns have officially named Jordan Ott as their new head coach, marking a fresh chapter for the franchise after a turbulent few seasons. The announcement came on June 4, 2025, following an exhaustive coaching search that involved interviewing more than a dozen candidates. Ott, who served as an assistant coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers, edged out fellow Cavs assistant Johnnie Bryant to secure the position. This hire makes Ott the 23rd head coach in Suns history and continues a streak of change, as Phoenix will be starting a season with a different head coach for the fourth consecutive year.
Ott’s appointment arrives at a critical juncture for the Suns, who are looking to rebound from a disappointing 36-46 campaign that saw them miss the playoffs for the first time since 2020. The season’s outcome led to the firing of Mike Budenholzer after just one year at the helm, following a similar fate for Frank Vogel, who also lasted a single season. Monty Williams, the coach who led Phoenix to the 2021 NBA Finals, ended his four-year tenure after the 2022-23 season, setting the stage for this recent coaching carousel.
The Suns’ front office, led by new general manager Brian Gregory, conducted a meticulous and multi-layered search. Gregory, who was promoted to GM in May 2025 after Mike Budenholzer’s dismissal, spearheaded a process that began with over 15 candidates. The field was narrowed down through several rounds, ultimately focusing on six finalists: Ott, Bryant, Miami’s Chris Quinn, Oklahoma City’s Dave Bliss, Dallas’ Sean Sweeney, and Suns assistant David Fizdale. Ott’s interview with Suns owner Mat Ishbia and CEO Josh Bartelstein in Michigan sealed the deal.
Ott’s background was a significant factor in the Suns’ decision. At 40 years old, he brings over a decade of NBA assistant coaching experience, having worked with respected coaches such as Mike Budenholzer, Kenny Atkinson, Steve Nash, Jacque Vaughn, and Darvin Ham. His NBA journey started as a video coordinator with the Atlanta Hawks from 2013 to 2016 before moving into assistant roles with the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, and most recently the Cleveland Cavaliers.
During the 2024-25 season, Ott played a key role in the Cavaliers’ success, helping the team secure the Eastern Conference’s top seed with a remarkable 64-18 record. The Cavaliers ranked first in offensive efficiency and eighth in defensive efficiency, a testament to the coaching staff's effectiveness, including Ott’s contributions. His reputation as a strong communicator, player developer, and a coach who meticulously studies trends and adapts strategies was well known around the league.
Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro highlighted Ott’s "work ethic/drive and a different level of sophistication with his offensive system" compared to other candidates. Suns star Devin Booker, who was actively involved in the coaching search, gave Ott his stamp of approval, reinforcing the belief that Ott could foster a productive relationship with the team’s cornerstone. Two-time Suns MVP Steve Nash, who coached Ott during their time together with the Brooklyn Nets from 2020 to 2022, also provided positive feedback on the hire.
Ott’s ties to Michigan State University, where he worked as a video coordinator under legendary coach Tom Izzo from 2008 to 2013, likely resonated with Suns owner Mat Ishbia, a former Spartan player. This connection adds a layer of familiarity and trust, especially since Ishbia recently appointed Brian Gregory, another Michigan State alum and former collegiate head coach, as the Suns’ GM.
Despite the optimism surrounding Ott’s hiring, the Suns face a challenging offseason. The roster is expected to undergo significant changes, with star forward Kevin Durant almost certainly on the trade block. The future of Bradley Beal remains uncertain, and eight players on the current roster are either free agents or have non-guaranteed contracts. The Suns also hold the No. 29 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft but are currently over the salary cap, complicating roster moves.
Devin Booker has been clear about his desire to stay in Phoenix, rejecting any notion of a rebuild that would involve trading him. The Suns’ front office echoes this sentiment, aiming for a "pivot and reload" strategy rather than a full teardown. This approach puts pressure on Ott to quickly establish a competitive identity while managing a roster in flux.
Jordan Ott inherits a team that has struggled to find stability both on and off the court. The Suns have not won a playoff series since the 2022-23 season and are currently ranked 19th in the championship odds at +9000. The organization hopes Ott’s emphasis on toughness, energy, and a hard-nosed playing style will resonate with the fanbase after the frustrations of recent seasons.
Ott’s coaching philosophy centers on strong offensive and defensive creativity, player development, and fostering a culture of effort and resilience. His ability to communicate effectively with players and staff and his dedication to studying evolving basketball trends are seen as critical assets for the Suns’ rebuilding process.
As the Suns embark on this new chapter, all eyes will be on Ott to see if he can bring the stability and identity the franchise desperately needs. With the support of Devin Booker and the guidance of Brian Gregory and Mat Ishbia, Ott faces the daunting task of turning around a team that has underperformed despite its star-studded lineup.
The upcoming season will be a test of Ott’s coaching acumen, his ability to manage a changing roster, and his skill in building a cohesive team culture. While the Suns’ future remains uncertain, the hiring of Jordan Ott signals a commitment to a fresh approach and a hopeful path forward.
