Big-name Suns assistant coach to refuse reassignment to front office?

Nov 14, 2019; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale coaches against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Phoenix Suns may be getting a fresh slate in more ways than one.

After firing head coach Frank Vogel earlier this week, the Suns are already closing in on the hiring of Mike Budenholzer as their new coach, according to multiple reports. The Athletic shared another interesting bit of info about the Suns on Friday as well. Assistant coach David Fizdale, who served under Vogel, is reportedly expected to receive an offer for a new front office role with the team. However, Fizdale is not expected to accept that offer, the report adds.

Fizdale, the former NBA head coach with the Memphis Grizzlies and the New York Knicks, was hired by the Suns last offseason to serve on Vogel’s staff. It appears Fizdale has loyalty to Vogel too since he previously worked under Vogel on the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2021-22 season as well.

When NBA teams hire a new head coach, they usually let the coach pick his own brand-new set of assistants. Though it is unclear at this point if Fizdale and the rest of Vogel’s staff were fired by the Suns, we have seen that happen many times before when a head coach is let go (including very recently with the Lakers).

Fizdale does have some front-office experience, having previously served as an executive for another Western Conference team. But it does not sound like Fizdale is willing to be reassigned to the front office by the Suns now that Vogel is gone.