Suns add Steve Clifford to coaching staff as advisor

The Phoenix Suns are adding Steve Clifford to their coaching staff as an advisor, according to Michael Scotto.

Clifford has an abundance of coaching experience as a head coach and an assistant. Steve has 23 seasons of NBA coaching experience, including head coaching stints with the Hornets and Magic.

Just In: The Phoenix Suns are hiring Steve Clifford as a coaching advisor, sources told @hoopshype. Clifford has 23 seasons of NBA coaching experience, including head coaching stints with the Hornets and

Magic. He was also an assistant for the Knicks, Rockets, Magic and Lakers. pic.twitter.com/hiroGGN0cR

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 13, 2025

Phoenix recently announced its entire coaching staff, which is a fairly young one. It makes sense to add a seasoned veteran like Clifford to help out in the background.

Phoenix’s full staff: head coach Jordan Ott, and assistants Jesse Mermuys, DeMarre Carroll, Brian Randle, Chaisson Allen, John Little, Mike Muscala, and Sean Dwyer. The Suns also announced that Mateen Cleaves has joined its player development team as player development/leadership assistant.

The 2025-26 Phoenix Suns Coaching Staff ☄️

📰 Read More: https://t.co/RLXJ8yfl5T pic.twitter.com/0tvvMEIbor

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) August 12, 2025

A find here: Ott and Clifford’s paths crossed in Brooklyn. And he’s reunited with former Hornets Mark Williams and Nick Richards on the roster.

New Suns coach Ott and Clifford crossed over in Brooklyn where Steve had a similar role as a coaching consultant.

Best of luck to Cliff, you can’t discuss the history of the Hornets without bringing him up. https://t.co/zZr9snSuso

— James Plowright (@British_Buzz) August 13, 2025

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