After parting ways with Monty Williams on May 14, the Suns had a thorough coaching search process that led to five finalists. Vogel, former Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers, now-76ers coach Nick Nurse, Kings assistant Jordi Fernandez and Suns assistant Kevin Young each met with Suns owner Mat Ishbia, president of basketball operations James Jones and other team officials in the final stage of the search over the past couple weeks. For the Suns, Vogel’s connectivity and collaborative approach provided the organization confidence that this could be a long-lasting partnership with staying power.
Kevin Young Rumors
Suns narrow head-coaching search to Doc Rivers, Frank Vogel and Kevin Young
The Phoenix Suns have narrowed their head-coaching search to Doc Rivers, Frank Vogel and Kevin Young as they prepare to fill the vacancy left by the firing of Monty Williams, according to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro. A hire could be made as early as the end of this week, Gambadoro adds. The Suns appear unlikely to hire Sacramento Kings associate head coach Jordi Fernandez and sit with three names after Nick Nurse, who was in the running for the Phoenix job, reportedly agreed to fill the opening with the Philadelphia 76ers.
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Tyronn Lue expects to remain with Clippers?
The Suns, according to reports, have interest in Clippers head coach Ty Lue. But multiple people with knowledge of current coaching searches expect Lue to remain with the Clippers and not be a viable option for any current openings. Lue is currently under contract with the Clippers. Sources confirm that Suns associate head coach Kevin Young has impressed during his interview process.
It’s not yet clear what sort of realistic shot he has to prevail in a coaching search that also features three veteran coaches with rings — Nick Nurse, Doc Rivers and Frank Vogel — but league sources say that Suns assistant Kevin Young is a serious candidate for the post in the wake of Monty Williams’ dismissal in the desert. Word is Young, who has also interviewed for the head coaching vacancies in Milwaukee and Toronto, has received a strong endorsement from Suns star Devin Booker.
Suns to interview Nick Nurse, Doc Rivers
The Phoenix Suns are advancing four candidates to a final round of interviews this week, including two NBA championship coaches: Nick Nurse and Doc Rivers, sources told ESPN on Tuesday night. Nurse and Rivers will meet with senior leadership along with two rising stars in the coaching profession: Suns associate head coach Kevin Young and Sacramento Kings associate head coach Jordi Fernandez, sources said.
The Suns also have a coaching search to conduct after the firing of Monty Williams. Kevin Young, an associate head coach under Williams, will interview with the Suns as early as next week, sources say. Young appears to have the backing of many Suns’ players.
