Suns officially hire ex-player Jeff Hornacek as coach of struggling team

CP23551764
Jeff Hornacek smiles as he is introduced as the Phoenix Suns new head basketball coach during a news conference, Tuesday, May 28, 2013, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

PHOENIX – The Suns have officially hired Jeff Hornacek as their new coach.

Phoenix turned to one of its former players Tuesday as the team looks to rebuild from one of the worst seasons in franchise history. Hornacek spent the first six of his 14 seasons as an NBA player with the Suns.

Multiple reports over the weekend had Hornacek getting the job, and the team made it official with Tuesday’s announcement that he would be the club’s 16th head coach.

The 50-year-old Hornacek had been an assistant with the Utah Jazz since 2011. This is his first head coaching job.

He takes over a team that went 27-55 last season, the worst record in the Western Conference and second-worst in the franchise’s history.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles