The Phoenix Suns are zeroing in on their next head coach, and their decision could lead to a major opening on the Miami Heat bench.
According to multiple reports, Heat assistant Chris Quinn has earned a second interview for the Suns’ vacant head coaching position. The franchise moved on from Mike Budenholzer after last season and is in the process of vetting at least eight coaching candidates, according to Chris Haynes.
John Gambadoro, a radio host in Phoenix who frequently reports on the Suns, indicated Quinn is a likely finalist.
The Suns could pluck Spo's top assistant away from the Heat.
For what it’s worth, Suns fans seem enthusiastic about Quinn as a potential hire. The Suns lack the kind of culture and stability that the Heat represent, and the idea is that Quinn could help bring some of those things to Phoenix. As a former NBA point guard, Quinn also has a reputation for connecting with players.
Quinn, who has been with the Heat for 10 seasons, is the longest tenured assistant on Spoelstra’s staff and has played a major role in Miami’s successful player development program. He currently serves as the associate head coach.
If the Suns were to hire Quinn as their next head coach, then Erik Spoelstra would be forced to hire a new lead assistant.
The Heat could look internally and promote a current assistant such as Caron Butler, Malik Allen or Eric Glass. They could also look at an outside hire. Either way, the Heat, already with one of the smaller coaching staffs in the league, would likely have to hire somebody to the bench if a coach leaves for another opportunity.
(Most recently, they hired Wayne Ellington when Anthony Carter left to take an assistant coaching job with the Memphis Grizzlies.)
One name that is bandied about by Heat fans is Goran Dragic. Dragic has spent a lot of time around the Heat organization since his retirement in 2023 and will likely take a position with the franchise when he’s ready, but it’s unclear if he would prefer to work on the coaching staff or in the front office.
Although the Heat prefer to hire and promote former players and familiar faces, there’s some merit to making an outside hire. After his first sub-.500 season in six seasons, Spoelstra might be seeking fresh ideas. Spoelstra is highly respected around the league, and some assistants and former head coaches would jump at the opportunity to join his staff.
Whatever happens, the Suns’ head coaching opening is something to watch, because their coaching decision could cause the Heat to make one of their own.