Suns hiring Jazz assistant Igor Kokoskov as head coach

The Serbian will become the first European-born NBA head coach.

The Phoenix Suns have selected former Jazz assistant coach Igor Kokoskov as their new head coach, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Born in Serbia, the former Suns assistant will become the first European-born NBA head coach.

He’s signed to a three-year contract, according to Wojnarowski, but will continue to serve as Jazz assistant coach until their season concludes.

Kokoskov most notably served as the head coach for Slovenia’s national team last summer, which won Eurobasket behind the play of Goran Dragic and expected No. 1 overall 2018 NBA Draft pick Luka Doncic. The Suns currently have the top odds to draw the top pick in the NBA Draft lottery on May 15. He’d make the perfect fit for Doncic if the stars align.

Kokoskov has also served as an assistant coach in the NBA for six teams since 2000 including the Clippers (2000-03), Pistons (03-08), Suns (08-13), Cavaliers (13-14), Magic (2015) and Jazz (15-18).