The Phoenix Suns have hit the reset button again. After ditching Mike Budenholzer just one year into his tenure, the franchise is diving headfirst into another head coaching search.
And this time, it’s not just about Xs and Os. Phoenix wants someone who can handle stars, grind defensively, and buy into the vision long-term. Right now, all eyes are on a familiar face from South Beach. Heat assistant Chris Quinn is officially the name heating up the Suns’ radar.
Chris Quinn’s Stock Is Rising Fast
Quinn might not have been the loudest name on the coaching carousel a few weeks ago, but that’s changed quickly. According to reports, Quinn nailed his first interview with Phoenix and has emerged as a top-tier finalist in a pool of nine names. Reports say his performance was “terrific.” No shock there, he’s been learning from one of the best in the business, Erik Spoelstra, for a decade.
REPORT: Miami Heat assistant coach Chris Quinn is the biggest name to watch out for in the Phoenix Suns’ hunt for a new head coach, per @RobMurrows
According to league sources, his interview performance was “terrific.”
He's spent the last 10 years in Miami with Erik Spoelstra. pic.twitter.com/XmgXsRVz6w
— Anthony A (@AnthonyA_NBA)
He’s been the No. 1 assistant in Miami for years. Quiet, composed, but always calculated. If anyone’s got a Ph.D. in Heat Culture, it’s Quinn. And that might be exactly what Phoenix is craving: a young, defensive-minded coach who can help pull the Suns out of the “win-now, lose-later” spiral they’ve been stuck in.
Remember, Phoenix has moved on from two championship-winning coaches — Frank Vogel and Mike Budenholzer — in back-to-back offseasons. And with a star core that includes Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, patience is wearing thin.
Phoenix Suns Are Still Casting a Wide Net
Quinn might be leading candidate, but he isn’t running away with the job just yet. The Suns are doing their homework, and then some. NBA insider Jake Fischer dropped the nugget on Quinn, then veteran reporter Marc Stein revealed the full list of names who’ve made it to second interviews:
- Chris Quinn (Miami Heat)
- Dave Bliss (Oklahoma City Thunder)
- David Fizdale (Phoenix Suns)
- James Borrego (New Orleans Pelicans)
- Johnnie Bryant (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Jordan Ott (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Micah Nori (Minnesota Timberwolves)
- Sean Sweeney (Dallas Mavericks)
- Steve Hetzel (Brooklyn Nets)
Another finalist advancing to the second round in Phoenix’s coaching search, per sources: longtime Miami Heat assistant Chris Quinn.
Full story here: https://t.co/3YBsw6CNYS https://t.co/YRomSjpp6z
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer)
That’s not just a list, it’s a buffet. But make no mistake, Quinn’s name stands out. He’s the only one with 10 years of top-level experience under Spoelstra. He’s led summer league teams, he’s called plays in clutch moments, and he’s had the trust of a championship-caliber system.
The biggest question? Can he handle the egos in Phoenix, manage a heavy spotlight, and actually build something sustainable?
That’s what the front office is banking on. And with second interviews happening, the decision could drop any day now. Phoenix fans are hopeful that the third time’s the charm.
