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[Saba Sports News] The Phoenix Suns remain the only team with a head coaching vacancy, and their search appears to be casting a wide net.
Veteran NBA insider Marc Stein reported Sunday that two intriguing former head coaches—James Borrego and Dave Joerger—have emerged as candidates for the Suns’ job.
Both bring prior head coaching experience, which Phoenix is said to be prioritizing in its search.
Borrego, 47, previously served as head coach of the Charlotte Hornets from 2018 to 2022, posting a 148-183 record without a playoff berth.
Before that, he was a two-time NBA champion as an assistant under Gregg Popovich in San Antonio and currently serves as the associate head coach for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Joerger, 51, has a 245-247 career record from stints leading the Memphis Grizzlies (2013–16) and Sacramento Kings (2016–19), with three playoff appearances—all with Memphis. After a health scare in 2021, he’s returned to coaching as an assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks, helping them win the NBA Cup this season.
The Suns are seeking a new coach after parting ways with Mike Budenholzer following a disappointing 36-46 campaign and missing even the 20-team postseason field—despite the league’s highest payroll.
Whoever takes over will be the team’s fourth head coach in roughly two years, joining a turbulent list that includes Monty Williams, Frank Vogel, and Budenholzer. Phoenix is reportedly considering a wide range of names, including one active head coach and a potential hire who could help smooth tensions with star forward Kevin Durant.