Another potential head coaching candidate has entered the mix in Phoenix, as John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM reports (via Twitter) that the Suns will interview Jazz assistant Igor Kokoskov for the open job.
Kokoskov, a member of Quin Snyder‘s staff in Utah, was recently identified by league executives as one of the top head coaching candidates among NBA assistants, and has been mentioned as a possible dark-horse candidate for the Orlando job. It’s not clear when Kokoskov will get a chance to interview with the Suns, since the Jazz remain alive and well in the postseason — presumably though, Utah has already granted Phoenix permission to meet with the veteran assistant.
Before arriving in Utah, Kokoskov worked as an assistant for several other NBA teams, including the Clippers, Pistons, Suns, Cavaliers, and Magic. While he doesn’t have any NBA head coaching experience, Kokoskov has served as the head coach for the Georgian and Serbian national teams.
The Suns are conducting an extensive head coaching search, so even though Mike Budenholzer reportedly withdrew from consideration on Thursday, there are still several names to watch for the vacancy.
Gambadoro confirms that Spurs assistant James Borrego and former Rockets head coach Kevin McHale are being considered. Ex-NBA head coaches like David Fizdale, Steve Clifford, Frank Vogel, and David Blatt are also said to be in the mix, along with interim coach Jay Triano, who will interview for the permanent position.
Don’t botch this Suns. Fizdale, Blatt or Messina/Kokoskov. Fizdale should be #1 by far
He just looks like a typical mope Suns coach. Like he already knows he’ll lose his job in less than two years. I’ll take a pass.
Suns are disappointing. They had an opportunity for a fantastic coach for the rebuild. Plenty of credibility Etc, but they didn’t want to fork over the cash and compensation to Atlanta. You pay peanuts, you settle for peanuts.
All Star guard Booker is probably gone soon. He says this was the last year he was to miss the playoffs. Obviously won’t be with the suns in the future lol. Enjoy him next year while you can.