Young hired at BYU, will stay for playoffs
Kevin Young is going back home to coach on the collegiate level.
The Suns associate head coach, who had been a finalist for several NBA head coaching jobs in recent years, is leaving to become head coach at BYU on a longterm deal.
“I’m so excited for him, we’re so excited for him,” Suns general manager James Jones said. “We’ve spent a lot of time together. He’s been instrumental in what we’ve built here in Phoenix, but it’s an opportunity for him to show the world how great of a coach he is and they’re extremely fortunate to have him. I know we have been, but it’s bittersweet. We have unfinished business and we’ll close it out the right way and send him home with victories.”
From Salt Lake City, Utah, Young will remain with the Suns throughout their playoff run.
Sixth-seeded Phoenix (49-33) will open postseason play Saturday at thirdseeded Minnesota (56-26).
“We’re thrilled that he’s going to be with us through the duration,” Suns coach Frank Vogel said. “He’s going to help us compete for this championship. He’s in the fight. He’s committed to that. So we’re thrilled about that. He’s done a great job.”
Young, 42, is replacing Mark Pope, who landed the head coaching job at Kentucky, where he played college basketball and was part of the program’s 1996 national championship team.
Pope replaced John Calipari, who is now head coach at Arkansas. BYU finished 23-11 this past season.
A source close to college basketball believes Young and BYU will be a “great fit” on both ends.
“He will be awesome. BYU is one of the best fan bases in all college basketball. There is a true love for the team and I think Kevin’s style of play fits with how BYU has had success in the years.”
Young reportedly was a finalist for the head coaching job in Brooklyn, but the Nets are reportedly hiring Kings assistant Jordi Fernandez. Those two were finalists for the Suns’ head coaching position last year, but Vogel was hired to replace Monty Williams.
The Suns kept Young on staff as an associate head coach on a contract paying him more than $2 million a year.
Young has been Suns All-Star Devin Booker’s player development coach. Vogel made reference to Miles Simon being a holdover from the Lakers staff when he became head coach there and won 2019-20 NBA title.
The former Arizona All-American is on the Suns staff under Vogel.
“Those guys are invaluable in the transition,” Vogel said. “KY has become a really close friend. Super happy for him. They are beyond lucky to have him at BYU. He’s going to do a great job there.”
Young was a head coach in the G League before working as an assistant with the 76ers (2016-20) and Suns (2020-24). The Suns reached the 2021 NBA Finals in Young’s first season with the team.