After one year in charge, Igor Kokoskov, head coach of the Phoenix Suns, has been relieved of his duties, the team's general manager James Jones announced.
“After extensive evaluation, I determined it is best to move in a different direction with our head coaching position,” said Jones. “I want to thank Igor for his work this past season and wish him the best with his future endeavors.”
In his first-ever NBA head coaching job, Kokoskov led the young Suns to a 19-63 record, tied for the second-worst record in the league.
Kokoskov was appointed as the Suns' head coach last May after previously being an assistant with the franchise from 2008 to 2013.
That was one of many stints he made in his 18 years as an assistant coach with multiple teams in the league - LA Clippers (2000-03), Detroit Pistons (2003-08), Cleveland Cavaliers (2013-14), Orlando Magic (2014), and Utah Jazz (2015-18).
As per the release by the team, their coaching search had begun immediately.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the franchise might already have their eyes on one person:
Here's a factor in the timing of Kokoskov's dismissal: The Suns are planning to target Philadelphia 76ers assistant Monty Williams, league sources tell ESPN. Lakers are planning a second interview with Williams soon, sources said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 23, 2019
The Suns will be looking for their seventh head coach in the last eight years.
