The Suns have interviewed Jazz assistant Igor Kokoskov for their vacant head coach job, league sources tell Tony Jones of The Salt Lake City Tribune (Twitter link). We noted yesterday that Phoenix planned to interview Kokoskov as they continue their search.
Kokoskov has served an assistant for Utah since 2015 as part of Quin Snyder‘s staff. Before joining the Jazz, Kokoskov was an assistant coach for several teams, including the Clippers, Pistons, Suns, Cavaliers, and Magic. While Kokoskov has never been a head coach in the NBA, he does have experience coaching the Georgian and Serbian national teams.
Phoenix’s pool of candidates shrunk this week when Mike Budenholzer reportedly withdrew from consideration on Thursday. However, the Suns are still considering several names for the job. John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM (via Twitter) confirmed yesterday that Spurs assistant James Borrego and former Rockets head coach Kevin McHale are in consideration.
Several former NBA coaches are also reportedly in the mix, including David Fizdale, Steve Clifford, Frank Vogel, and David Blatt. Interim coach Jay Triano, who took over after the firing of Earl Watson this season, will also interview for the job.
Please choose the right person.
They already would not meet Mike Budeholzer’s requests so they’re actually going to go second-rate…, again.
Why would you want to give up a first round pick (or more) for a HC when there are a million options out there?
Absolutely yes.
A great head coach is a sure thing and can control the entire Squad. First round pick is not a guaranteed great player. Ask the Sacramento Kings.
I think a young coach that the front office is willing to be patient with and can develop some of their extremely raw players is their best option (a la Kenny Atkinson).
Yes if you can find one. Brad Stevens Quin Snyder would be fantastic.
The hope is you don’t wind up with Fred Hoiberg or Earl Watson or Derek Fisher.
Igor? Well at least he has some experience in resurrection.
McDonough doesn’t have a clue and Sarver is cheap. Do us all a favor and sell to a real owner.