5 candidates to be next Phoenix Suns head coach

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 18: Head coach Earl Watson of the Phoenix Suns reacts as he walks off the court following the NBA game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 18, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Trail Blazers defeated the Suns 124-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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As the Phoenix Suns turn the page after firing Earl Watson, here are five options to take over as head coach.

It’s rare for a coach to be fired three games into a season, but two 40-plus point losses and allowing 132 points in the other cost Earl Watson his job with the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. The Suns are in rebuilding mode and aren’t expected to win many games this season, but the problems in the organization go beyond Watson and his quick firing is a symptom of it.

Assistant coach Jay Triano is expected to take over as interim head coach for the rest of the season. But a wider scale search for a permanent head coach can and should be starting now, and all options should be open.

From a certain perspective, the Suns job has a lot of desirable points. A group of young players led by Devin Booker, good weather (of course) and a fan base that can be great when given reason to engage. An ongoing rebuild, and a course being set for a high draft pick again next year, also removes pressure to win immediately. Eric Bledsoe may be headed out in a trade but whatever they bring back for him should be useful.

Here are five candidates to be the next Phoenix Suns head coach.

5. Steve Nash

This one is a shot in the dark for sure, and Chris Mannix of Yahoo! has advanced an idea about Nash being asked to step into a front office role for the Suns. Nash currently serves as a player-development coach with the Golden State Warriors, as well as general manager of Canada’s men’s national team, but it’s worth wondering if he’d surrender both jobs to return to Phoenix and the Suns organization in some capacity.

Nash may be enjoying retirement as a player, with the freedom that comes with while staying engaged in basketball. He’s hardly guaranteed to be a good head coach, or even want the job in Phoenix or anywhere else, but Nash is an outside the box option that might be just crazy enough to work.

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