Suns fans speak out on next coach with familiar favorite leading the poll.
The Phoenix Suns find themselves once again navigating a familiar and turbulent path this offseason: the search for a new head coach.
Since Mat Ishbia took the reins in the Valley, three coaches have come and gone, each dismissed at the close of three consecutive seasons. It’s hardly a beacon of stability, more a warning flare for any prospective candidate. The message is loud and clear: “Welcome to Phoenix. Win now, or you’re gone before year two.” That motto might as well be etched in bronze and bolted to the door of the coach’s office at PHX Arena, a stark reminder of the unforgiving standard that now defines this era of Suns basketball.
This offseason brings with it what feels like a deep and intriguing pool of coaching candidates, though it’s worth noting that some of the most popular names are still under contract elsewhere, and a few have even stepped into retirement (yes, that’s aimed squarely at those of you lobbying for Chris Paul to come back to Phoenix and jump straight into the head coach’s chair). Still, with a number of highly regarded assistants seemingly poised for their shot at the top job, Phoenix may soon be making calls to see who’s ready to take the leap. And the risk.
Of course, whether those potential candidates actually answer the phone is another matter entirely. Phoenix may be an attractive destination for players, but for coaches, it’s a more complicated sell. The allure of the desert sun fades quickly when job security feels like a mirage.
That said, there are still some intriguing names in the mix.
Among the fanbase, preferences are beginning to take shape. When asked, 31% expressed interest in Willie Green, the current head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans. It’s a telling choice. Green not only has ties to the Suns’ past but also brings a reputation for connection, accountability, and calm in the storm.
The New Orleans Pelicans find themselves in a state of transition after parting ways with general manager David Griffin, a former Arizona State alum. With Joe Dumars stepping into that leadership role, it’s fair to wonder whether he’ll want to bring in his own head coach, a common move when a new front office takes the reins.
If Willie Green becomes a casualty of that change, his connection to Phoenix makes him an immediate candidate of interest. Green served as an assistant with the Suns from 2019 to 2021, playing a key role during the team’s unforgettable run to the NBA Finals.
The second most popular response in the fan poll? “Other,” with 21% of the vote. That catch-all category likely reflects buzz around familiar names like Steve Nash and Mike Brown, both of whom bring their own brand of intrigue, experience, and connection to Phoenix.
With Mat Ishbia continuing to promise change, the question now shifts to when those identity shifts begin to materialize.
Stick with Bright Side as we track every move this franchise makes in what promises to be another pivotal offseason in the Valley.
Listen to the latest podcast episode of the Suns JAM Session Podcast below. Stay up to date on every episode, subscribe to the pod on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, YouTube Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podbean, Castbox.
Please subscribe, rate, and review.