Who is Jordan Ott? What to know about 'innovative' new Phoenix Suns coach

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The Phoenix Suns have hired Jordan Ott as their new head coach, their fourth head coach in four seasons, following Monty Williams, who was fired in 2023, Frank Vogel, who was fired in 2024, and Mike Budenholzer, who was fired in 2025.

Who is Jordan Ott?

Here's what to know about the new Suns head coach, the 23rd coach in the history of the NBA franchise, who most recently was an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Ott is 40 years old. He is a native of McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania. He is the first Suns' first-time coach since Igor Kokoskov, the coach before Williams, was hired by the team in 2018.

Read more: Phoenix Suns hire Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott as new head coach

Jordan Ott coaching career​

• Ott was the video coordinator for the Atlanta Hawks from 2013-15, coincidentally working under Mike Budenholzer, the coach he replaced in Phoenix.
• Ott was an assistant coach under Kenny Atkinson, Jacque Vaughn and Suns legend Steve Nash with the Brooklyn Nets from 2016-2021.
• Ott was an assistant coach under Darvin Ham with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2022-23.
• Ott was reunited with Atkinson as an assistant coach with the Cavaliers for the 2024-25 season, helping the team go 64-18 in the regular season.

Reaction: Phoenix Suns' Jordan Ott coach hire questioned because of Mat Ishbia, Michigan State ties

Jordan Ott education​

• Ott earned his bachelor's degree from Penn State University and earned his master's in athletic administration from Michigan State University.
• He was the video coordinator for the Spartans' men's basketball program for five seasons, before leaving for his first NBA job with the Hawks.

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Jordan Ott 'ready' to be an NBA coach​

The Arizona Republic's Duane Rankin asked league sources about Ott when he became a candidate for the Suns' coaching position.

• One described Ott as a grinder who is "ready " to be an NBA head coach.
• Another said he is "really smart" and a student of the game, with sound offensive and defensive philosophies.
• He was also described as "innovative" and a teacher of the game, while being strong in player development and in the film room.

Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Suns coach Jordan Ott described as 'innovative': What to know

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