Déjà Vu: The Phoenix Suns Eye Another Rookie Head Coach, Though Alternatives Remain Possible…
The Phoenix Suns find themselves at a familiar crossroads yet again. Just a year removed from entrusting their high-caliber roster to rookie head coach Frank Vogel—who has since been dismissed—the franchise is reportedly considering yet another first-time NBA head coach. While this strategy has been a recurring theme for the Suns over the years, it raises questions about long-term planning, coaching stability, and the direction of a team built to contend now rather than later.
This isn’t the first time the Suns have turned to a novice to lead the bench. Before Vogel, Monty Williams brought stability and success, even guiding the Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals. But rewind further and names like Igor Kokoškov and Earl Watson emerge—both rookies at the time of their appointments, and neither lasted long. The current speculation centers around candidates such as Sacramento Kings assistant Jordi Fernández and Golden State’s Kenny Atkinson, the latter of whom does have previous head coaching experience, albeit limited.
This approach to hiring, leaning toward first-time head coaches, reflects a franchise often willing to gamble on unproven potential rather than invest in veteran leadership. Sometimes, that risk pays off—Monty Williams, for example, had minimal head coaching experience before his Phoenix tenure and proved effective for a time. However, repeated short coaching tenures have bred instability, a pattern that’s especially concerning for a team with championship aspirations centered around stars like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
Durant, in particular, is not in a phase of his career where development or growing pains are acceptable. At 36, he’s looking to win now, not three seasons from now. The Suns’ ownership and front office, led by Mat Ishbia and GM James Jones, are facing immense pressure to maximize the current window. Another rookie coach might present an innovative voice, but it could also result in another short-lived experiment if the team underperforms early.
Still, the Suns do have options beyond first-timers. Veteran names like Mike Budenholzer, a former NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks, and Tyronn Lue, if pried away from the Clippers, represent safer choices with proven track records. Budenholzer in particular is known for his defensive principles and ability to maximize star players—skills that could mesh well with the Suns’ elite trio. Other dark horse candidates include Becky Hammon, who has proven her chops in the WNBA and could make history in the NBA, or perhaps a reunion with Williams, unlikely as that might seem.
Ultimately, the choice of head coach reflects more than just tactical preference—it’s a statement of the Suns’ organizational vision. Are they looking to build a culture for the long haul, or are they zeroed in on the next 12 months? Hiring a rookie coach might suggest the former, while landing an experienced leader could imply a win-now mindset.
It’s also worth considering how coaching turnover impacts locker room cohesion. Constant changes in leadership can disrupt player development, erode trust, and lead to strategic inconsistencies. For a team with immense talent but a shallow bench and questions about defense and chemistry, consistency could be the key to unlocking their full potential.
In conclusion, while the Suns may once again be leaning toward an untested coach, they would be wise to weigh that decision carefully. With Durant aging, Booker entering his prime, and Beal needing a career resurgence, the clock is ticking. Another misstep could set the franchise back years—or worse, waste a rare window of opportunity. The options are there, both fresh and familiar. It’s now up to Phoenix to decide whic
h path to take.