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Suns veteran assistant status with team takes surprising turn

Originally posted on Burn City Sports
By Tanner Tortorella | Last updated May 26, 2025 9:41 PM ET

Candidates throughout the association have come out to interview for the Phoenix Suns head coaching position. Top assistants from the best opposing teams have interviewed with general manager Brian Gregory on restoring the franchise back to his heights. However, one of the top options is Suns assistant David Fizdale, who is one of the few candidates with head coaching experience.

Fizdale is well-respected for his defensive gameplans and strageties that has impressed the front office. According to The Arizona Repbulic’s Duane Rankin, even if Fizdale isn’t hired to be the next head coach, he’s likely to remain with the franchise.

Rankin on Fizdale’s status with Suns:

“League sources informed The Republic that Phoenix has placed great emphasis on asking candidates about their defensive philosophy, defensive strategies, game plans and coverage schemes. If Fizdale doesn’t land the Suns head coaching job, there’s a chance he’ll remain in Phoenix as an assistant coach.”

Fizdale was brought to Phoenix under Frank Vogel’s regime, after the duo were together with the Los Angeles Lakers. Even after Vogel’s firing, Fizdale remained with the team as Mike Budenholzer assumed the head coaching position. Now, as Gregory is looking for Budenholzer’s replacement, Fizdale is likely to again remain with the team despite the coaching change.

The 50-year-old head coach has been in the NBA since 2003, starting as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors. He would be coach for the Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat before getting his first head coaching opportunity with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Fizdale was fired only after two seasons with the Grizzlies and quickly got a job with the New York Knicks. His stint in the Big Apple was short, coaching only 104 games and finished with a 21-83 record.

In his two seasons with the Suns, Fizdale has impressed the organization with his presence and has earned an opportunity to remain in the Valley.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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