CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cavs’ coaching staff might be getting a modest makeover.
Jordan Ott, the up-and-coming and well-respected assistant who oversaw Evan Mobley’s development this past season, is likely moving on to the next stage in the Phoenix Suns’ coaching search.
Following a disappointing 36-46 season in which they failed to make the postseason, the high-priced Suns fired head coach Mike Budenholzer and began an extensive search for his replacement — the fourth head coach in as many years.
Ott was one of numerous coaches interviewed by Suns general manager Brian Gregory. Fellow Cleveland assistant Johnnie Bryant was another. Now it appears the organization is getting closer to a final decision.
According to longtime NBA Insider Marc Stein of the Stein Line, Ott is expected to have a face-to-face meeting with Suns owner Matt Ishbia — a critical point of the interview process that could determine whether Ott will ultimately leave Cleveland.
Ott, who began his coaching journey more than a decade ago as Michigan State’s video coordinator, joined the Cavaliers ahead of the 2024-25 season, reuniting with first-year coach Kenny Atkinson. Cleveland posted the best record in the Eastern Conference at 64-18 before getting eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in Round Two.
With other stops in Atlanta, Brooklyn and Los Angeles, Ott has been preparing for this next step in his coaching career. His sterling player development background and burgeoning resume, including the most recent season with the Cavaliers where he helped Mobley become a first-time All-Star, All-NBA member and Defensive Player of the Year, raised Ott’s profile and led to him becoming a leading candidate in Phoenix. The ties with Michigan State alums Ishbia and Gregory don’t hurt either.
If Ott — or Bryant — get the Suns job, Atkinson will need to replace one of team’s top, front-of-the-bench assistants. It would be the second coaching departure this summer, with Charge head coach Chris Darnell joining the Sacramento Kings.
According to reports, Phoenix is also interested in Miami assistant Chris Quinn, Dallas’ Sean Sweeney and Thunder assistant Dave Bliss. Some of those candidates may meet with Ishbia as well. Given that Bliss still has coaching responsibilities with the NBA Finals-bound Thunder, it’s unclear when the Suns’ search will conclude.
