Reports: David Fizdale turned down 4-year offer from Suns
May 3, 2018, 3:26 PM
Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale reacts in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
(AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
The Phoenix Suns have a new head coach in Igor Kokoskov, but another candidate reportedly shot down the job beforehand.
Former Memphis Grizzlies head coach and the reported new New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale turned down the Suns, according to ESPN’s Marc Spears.
The Athletic’s Michael Scotto reports the offer was a four-year deal, the same reported length for his contract with the Knicks.
Fizdale met with the Suns about the vacancy, per 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station’s John Gambadoro.
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Posting a 50-51 record with the Grizzlies from 2016-18, Fizdale lost a battle with Memphis Grizzlies star Marc Gasol and was fired in November.
Former Atlanta Hawks Mike Budenholzer met with the Suns’ front office and ownership for two days before withdrawing his name from consideration. There were never any serious strides made by either side toward a deal.
Grand Canyon University head coach and former Suns player and assistant Dan Majerle also declined any interest from the Suns.
The Suns underwent an extensive coaching search before hiring Kokoskov. Other names outside of Budenholzer and Fizdale included San Antonio Spurs assistant James Borrego and former Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd.
