The Phoenix Suns’ hunt for a new head coach has intensified, with Miami Heat associate head coach Chris Quinn and Dallas Mavericks assistant Sean Sweeney reportedly standing out among a crowded field of candidates.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, both coaches have made “strong impressions” during the interview process, positioning themselves as potential front-runners to revitalize the struggling franchise.
Phoenix’s decision to part ways with Mike Budenholzer after just one disappointing season—a 2024-25 campaign that saw the star-studded Suns miss the playoffs entirely—has sparked a high-stakes search. The organization aims to maximize the talents of its “Big Three” (Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal), who have yet to advance past the first round of the playoffs since joining forces.
Quinn, a longtime protégé of Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, has steadily climbed Miami’s coaching ladder since 2014. Credited with helping stabilize the Heat during a tumultuous 2024-25 season marred by Jimmy Butler’s abrupt exit, Quinn’s leadership proved pivotal in guiding the team through the play-in tournament and into the playoffs. His resume also includes two NBA Finals appearances (2020, 2023) as part of Spoelstra’s staff, underscoring his pedigree in high-pressure environments.
Sweeney, meanwhile, brings championship-caliber experience from Dallas’ 2024 Finals run. A respected strategist with tenures in Detroit, Milwaukee, and Brooklyn, his defensive acumen and adaptability have earned league-wide recognition.
The Suns’ next coach inherits a critical mandate: unlocking the potential of a roster that has underperformed despite its firepower. Phoenix’s inability to even reach the play-in tournament last season highlighted systemic issues, from inconsistent defense to fractured chemistry.
For Miami, Quinn’s potential departure would leave a significant void in Spoelstra’s trusted coaching circle. Meanwhile, Phoenix’s decision could hinge on whether they prioritize Quinn’s culture-building prowess or Sweeney’s tactical ingenuity.
As the Suns weigh their options, one thing is clear: The pressure is on to appoint a leader capable of transforming high expectations into tangible success. With training camp months away, all eyes remain on Phoenix’s next move.
