Suns assistant Kevin Young named head coach at BYU

Phoenix Suns associate head coach Kevin Young is the new head men's basketball coach at BYU.

Cougars athletic director Tom Holmoe made the announcement on Tuesday.

Young, who was born in Salt Lake City, replaces Mark Pope, who left last week to accept the head coach position at Kentucky.

"We had a variety of excellent candidates and a lot of interest in this position," Holmoe said. "Kevin is someone we have had our eye on for a while. He has risen to the top of NBA assistant coaching ranks. He has been a lead candidate for NBA head coaching jobs and has been instrumental in developing top-level NBA talent. Kevin will bring a new perspective, with an extensive NBA background to our program. He is a phenomenal fit at BYU. He is humble, fun and super intelligent. Cougar Nation is going to love getting to know Kevin."

Holmoe did not release contract length or financial terms, but CBS Sports reported Young's deal is worth about $30 million for seven years.

Young, 42, will remain with the Suns throughout the playoffs. Phoenix is the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference and will meet the No. 3 Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round, beginning Saturday. At the same time, he will engage with current BYU players and recruits and begin putting together his coaching staff.

He previously was a head coach in the NBA G League for eight seasons. He also was an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers before joining the Suns ahead of the 2020-21 season.

This offseason, he interviewed for the head coaching gigs with the Charlotte Hornets and Brooklyn Nets.

BYU finished the 2023-24 season with a 23-11 (10-8 Big 12) record.

—Field Level Media