Former Izzo staffer, longtime NBA assistant hired by Phoenix Suns as head coach

The Michigan State connections are just building stronger and stronger in Phoenix for the Suns franchise.

While former MSU walk-on Matt Ishbia is the owner of the team, he has snagged another MSU connection to be his next head coach.The Suns are hiring Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott as the franchise's next head coach.

Ott previously spent time on Tom Izzo's staff as a video assistant, while also gaining his Master's degree from MSU.

After his time at Michigan State, Ott went on to be an assistant coach at various levels in the NBA from 2013 to 2025, spending time with the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Laker and Cavaliers.

Now, he is getting his shot at being the head man in the league.

Ott now joins Jim Boylen as the second former Michigan State assistant under Izzo to be a head coach in the NBA.Just In: The Phoenix Suns are hiring Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott as the franchise's new head coach, sources tell ESPN.

Ott has been an NBA assistant since 2012 and has a strong background of offensive and defensive creativity, player development and communication.

pic.twitter.com/doDE6Fahdj Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 4, 2025Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion.

You can also follow Cory Linsner on X @Cory_LinsnerThis article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Former MSU basketball staffer hired as Phoenix Suns head coach.

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