Phoenix Suns hire Brian Randle as new assistant coach

The Phoenix Suns have a new assistant coach and his name is Brian Randle. What do we know about the team’s newest hire?

The Phoenix Suns went 8-0 in the bubble, but they did it with a skeleton coaching crew after firing assistant coaches Steve Blake and Larry Greer just prior to departing to Orlando in somewhat strange timing. They have now filled one of those voids by hiring Brian Randle to Monty Williams’ coaching staff.

Randle most recently worked as the Minnesota Timberwolves’ player development coach and before that spent time with USA basketball.

During his playing days, he suited up for Illinois from 2003-2008 and was part of that incredible Fighting Illini team that made it to the National Championship where they fell to the North Carolina Tar Heels.

He also earned a Master’s degree in Sports Management from Illinois, so that is pretty impressive.

Afterward, Randle played 10 years overseas including stops in Germany and Isreal.

Brian Randle joined the Phoenix Suns’ coaching staff.

Of his move to Phoenix, Randle said:

"“My family and I are incredibly excited to join the Phoenix Suns. I couldn’t be more excited to work with and learn from Coach Monty Williams. The Suns have a strong young core with a great future ahead; I am grateful and humbled for this opportunity.”"

Randle is just 35 years old but has a wide variety of experience he can bring to the Phoenix Suns. On that experience, Randle said:

"“I think I have a unique perspective on basketball from my 10 years playing in Europe and my time under Coaches [Tom] Thibodeau and [Ryan] Saunders. I bring a strong defensive mindset which has been shaped over the years by coaches such as Bruce Weber, Tom Thibodeau and Guy Goodes.”"

Not going to lie, I had to look up Guy Goodes, but considering the Phoenix Suns’ official website misspelled the man’s name, I don’t feel too bad about that fact. He is an Israeli coach, by the way.

Anyway, welcome to the Valley, Coach Randle. You picked a fun time to jump on board.