BYU Hires Phoenix Suns Assistant Kevin Young as New Head Basketball Coach
BYU Basketball Announces Kevin Young as New Head Coach
The wait is finally over for BYU basketball fans as the school has officially announced the hiring of Phoenix Suns assistant Kevin Young as its new head coach. The news was first reported by ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnaworski and has since been confirmed by the university.
Young, who is currently the NBA’s highest-paid assistant coach, will be taking over the reins from Mark Pope, who recently departed for Kentucky after five successful years leading the Cougars. The 42-year-old Young has been a highly sought-after coaching candidate in the NBA and brings a wealth of experience to the BYU program.
BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe expressed his excitement about Young joining the program, stating, “Kevin is someone we have had our eye on for a while. He has risen to the top of NBA assistant coaching ranks and has been instrumental in developing top-level NBA talent. Cougar Nation is going to love getting to know Kevin.”
Young, who has been an associate head coach for the Suns since 2021, has also had coaching stints with the Philadelphia 76ers and various G-League teams. His impressive resume and NBA background make him a perfect fit for BYU as they look to continue their success on the court.
While the details of Young’s contract are still being finalized, reports indicate that he could be signing a seven-year, $30 million deal. Additionally, BYU alums Danny Ainge and Ryan Smith played key roles in Young’s hiring, with Ainge and Smith reportedly being instrumental in the decision.
Young will finish out the NBA playoffs with the Suns before fully transitioning to his new role at BYU. In the meantime, he will begin recruiting efforts and assembling his coaching staff, which may include names like Barret Peery from UNLV and Chris Burgess from Utah.
BYU fans can look forward to a new era of basketball under the leadership of Kevin Young, as he brings his NBA expertise and coaching acumen to Provo.