Report: Suns to hire former Washington coach Mike Hopkins

Field Level Media|published: Tue 11th June, 14:42 2024

NCAA Basketball: Washington at Washington State

Mar 7, 2024; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Mike Hopkins looks on against the Washington State Cougars in the first half at Friel Court at Beasley Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Former University of Washington head coach Mike Hopkins is joining the Phoenix Suns as an assistant coach, ESPN reported Tuesday.

Hopkins, 54, was a two-time Pac-12 Coach of the Year and compiled a record of 118-106 over seven seasons with the Huskies from 2017-24. He took Washington to the NCAA Tournament in 2019.

Hopkins will join new Suns coach Mike Budenholzer's staff, which also reportedly includes David Fizdale and Chad Forcier.

Washington announced on March 8 that Hopkins would not be returning for the 2024-25 season. The program hired Danny Sprinkle later that month.

Hopkins played for coach Jim Boeheim at Syracuse for four seasons from 1989-93 before joining his staff as an assistant in 1995. Hopkins was the Orange's interim coach for nine games in 2015-16, going 4-5 during a suspension for Boeheim.

--Field Level Media