Introductory news conference for new Suns GM Brian Gregory
The Phoenix Suns hold an introductory press conference for their new general manager, Brian Gregory.
- Ott, 40, was an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers this past season.
- Suns owner Mat Ishbia cited Ott’s focus on excellence and accountability were key factors in the hiring.
The Phoenix Suns officially announced Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott as their new head coach on Friday, June 6, making him the 23rd head coach in franchise history.
“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 a news release. “I would like to thank (team owner) Mat Ishbia, (general manger) Brian Gregory and (CEO) 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.”
League sources informed The Arizona Republic on June 4 of the hire. The Suns will have an introductory news conference on June 10.
This comes after Ishbia sent a internal letter June 4 obtained by The Republic to Suns basketball operations employees in which he shared his excitement for Ott’s hiring.
Ishbia talked about increasing his involvement moving forward and praised Gregory on his role in the coaching search.
Ott, 40, and fellow Cavs assistant Johnnie Bryant, were finalists for the position. The Cavs posted the NBA’s best record in the Eastern Conference at 64-18 with Ott and Bryant as assistants under Kenny Atkinson, the 2024-25 NBA Coach of the Year.
“Jordan embodies the culture of excellence and accountability we’re going to prioritize,” said Ishbia in a news release. “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.”
League sources informed The Republic that Devin Booker, the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, was part of the process of hiring a head coach and was in favor of Ott.
A first-year NBA head coach, Ott is replacing Mike Budenholzer, who was fired after one season. The Suns finished 36-46 to mark their first losing season since 2019-20, which was the last time they missed the playoffs before this season.
Ott will be Phoenix’s fourth head coach in four seasons. Monty Williams, Frank Vogel and Budenholzer were fired after each of the last three seasons with Ishbia as team owner.
A billionaire and CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage, Ishbia bought the Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury for a record $4 billion during the 2022-23 season.
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“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,” said Gregory in a news 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.”
Ott worked closely this season with Cavs big Evan Mobley, the 2024-25 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, who also made the NBA All-Star Game and earned All-NBA second team this season for the first time in his career.
The 40-year-old Ott began his NBA coaching career in 2013 as a video coordinator for the Atlanta Hawks under Budenholzer. This was after working as a video coordinator at Michigan State for five seasons under Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo.
Earning his master’s degree at Michigan State in athletic administration, Ott has MSU ties with Ishbia and Gregory. Ishbia was a walk-on player on the 2000 men’s national championship team coached by Izzo, with Gregory working as an assistant.
Ott spent three seasons with the Hawks (2013-16), six as an assistant with the Brooklyn Nets (2016-22) and two more with the Los Angeles Lakers (2022-24) as an assistant before joining the Cavaliers this past season.
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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