Coach Igor Kokoskov talks with Utah Jazz guard Ricky Rubio (3) as the Utah Jazz players practice as they prepare to play the Oklahoma City Thunder in game two of the NBA playoffs in Oklahoma City on Monday, April 16, 2018. (Credit: Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz may be on the search for a replacement assistant coach. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Phoenix Suns decided to hire Igor Kokoskov.
“It’s a credit to him,” Jazz coach Quin Snyder told the Deseret News in April. “I’ve told him for a number of years that I think he’s a head coach in the NBA. It’s taken him some time to see himself that way because he’s just been focused on doing his job.”
Kokoskov first interviewed for the job last month. He also met with Suns general manager Ryan McDonough right before the Jazz’s Game 1 against the Houston Rockets according to Wojnarowski.
Kokoskov will reportedly sign a three year deal with the Suns. He is a native of Serbia and will be the first European-born head coach in the NBA.
He will continue as an assistant until the end of the Utah Jazz’s playoff run. Tip-off for the Utah Jazz’s Game 2 is set for 6 p.m.