Cavaliers' Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott finalists for Phoenix Suns coaching vacancy

Suns narrow head coach search to Cavaliers’ Bryant and Ott

The Phoenix Suns have named Cleveland Cavaliers associate coach Johnnie Bryant and assistant Jordan Ott as finalists in their ongoing search for a new head coach, according to sources reported by ESPN on Monday, June 2.

Bryant and Ott are scheduled to meet with Suns owner Mat Ishbia, CEO Josh Bartelstein, and general manager Brian Gregory later this week in Michigan. The Suns initiated the search after dismissing Mike Budenholzer on April 14. Gregory, named general manager on May 1, has overseen a multi-stage interview process that began with over 15 candidates.

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After initial interviews, eight candidates were invited to second-round meetings. Six individuals, Bryant, Ott, Chris Quinn (Miami Heat), Sean Sweeney (Dallas Mavericks), Dave Bliss (Oklahoma City Thunder), and Suns assistant David Fizdale, advanced to in-person sessions with team executives last week.

Sources say Suns guard Devin Booker has participated in the final stages of the decision-making process over the past 10 days. The organization has been deliberate in its approach, maintaining the NBA’s only active coaching vacancy for several weeks.

Both Bryant and Ott joined the Cleveland Cavaliers last offseason as part of head coach Kenny Atkinson’s staff. Under their guidance, the Cavaliers posted an Eastern Conference-best 64 wins and led the league in offensive efficiency while ranking eighth in defensive efficiency, according to ESPN Research.

Bryant previously served as an assistant with the Utah Jazz (2012–2020) and New York Knicks (2020–2024). He played collegiate basketball at the University of Utah from 2005 to 2008.

Ott’s coaching career includes roles with the Atlanta Hawks (2013–2016), Brooklyn Nets (2016–2022), and Los Angeles Lakers (2022–2024). Before joining the NBA, he worked as a video coordinator under coach Tom Izzo at Michigan State University from 2008 to 2013.

The Suns finished the 2024–25 NBA season with a 36–46 record and will be appointing their fourth head coach in as many seasons.