Phoenix Suns to Add Veteran Assistant Chad Forcier to Coaching Staff…
The Phoenix Suns are set to enhance their coaching team by appointing seasoned assistant coach Chad Forcier, as reported by Sarah Todd of Deseret News. Forcier will join head coach Mike Budenholzer’s staff, having previously worked under Budenholzer with the Milwaukee Bucks from 2019 to 2023. Last season, Forcier served on the coaching staff of the Utah Jazz under head coach Will Hardy.
Forcier boasts a three-decade-long career in the NBA. His collaboration with Budenholzer dates back to their time as assistant coaches under Gregg Popovich with the San Antonio Spurs from 2007 to 2013.
A native of Washington, Forcier began his coaching career as an intern with the Seattle SuperSonics from 1992 to 1997, working alongside Hall of Fame coach George Karl. During this tenure, the Sonics reached the 1996 NBA Finals, where they were defeated by the Chicago Bulls.
Forcier’s first assistant coaching role was with the Detroit Pistons from 2001 to 2003. He then followed head coach Rick Carlisle to the Indiana Pacers, serving there from 2003 to 2007.
Forcier’s extensive resume includes stints with several notable NBA coaches: Gregg Popovich (2007-2016), Frank Vogel in Orlando (2016-2018), and J.B. Bickerstaff in Memphis (2018-2019). He has won NBA championships with the Spurs in 2014 and the Bucks in 2021.
David Fizdale, who is also returning in a significant assistant coaching role, will join Forcier on Budenholzer’s staff. Additionally, the Suns have reportedly hired former Bucks assistant coach Vince Legarza.
Budenholzer stepped in to replace Frank Vogel after Vogel’s single season with the Suns, which concluded with a first-round playoff exit.
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