The Suns‘ search for a new head coach has reportedly advanced to a third round of interviews, which will be conducted in person after the first two rounds were primarily done via Zoom.
While initial reports indicated that Phoenix had trimmed the list of candidates down from nine to three or four, at least five finalists have been confirmed to have in-person meetings with the team’s brass. And now a sixth name has been added to that group.
According to Marc J. Spears of Andscape (Twitter link), David Fizdale is expected to have a third interview for the head coaching vacancy after spending the past two seasons as the Suns’ associate head coach.
Fizdale, who turns 51 years old next month, is a longtime NBA assistant who previously served as head coach of the Grizzlies and Knicks. Some “key Suns players” are in favor of Phoenix hiring Fizdale, sources tell Spears.
It has been six-plus weeks since Mike Budenholzer was fired as head coach after a disappointing season in which Phoenix went 36-46 and failed to make the play-in tournament. He had just wrapped up his first season with the Suns after signing a five-year deal in 2024.
The Suns have been taking their time to find a replacement for Budenholzer, in part because they are the only team actively searching for a new head coach. Owner Mat Ishbia said in a press conference shortly after the season ended that he wants to find a coach who will bring increased toughness to the organization.
What a dysfunctional organization. Trade for Beal and his NTC, maybe hire Fizdale. Sucks for Suns fans.
Kinda hope they do hire Fiz… he and James Jones are both heat lifers and will probably help the heat get Durant lol (a la Kevin McHale with Garnett)
Take that for Data
Didn’t they say they wanted a young coach??? At least this one is better than the last 3.
Horrible choice hahaha
Only became a head coach because LeBron hyped him up and we all saw that went.
Dwyane Wade actually did that.. and he’s a great coach.. just not sure he’s a great leader.. which is the difference between a great coach and a great head coach
Ruined the Grizzlies, ended Zach Randolph’s career and others