The Phoenix Suns seem to have their leader for the long haul.

Head coach Jordan Ott is coming off a season that was a resounding success in 2025-26. The 45-37 mark exceeded all expectations heading into the year, and the 41-year-old continues to reap the benefits of an exceptional first year at the helm.

However, there still appears to be slight reservations when it comes to how elite Ott truly is at the moment.

Sam Quinn of CBS Sports ranks the Pennsylvania native as the 19th-best coach in the NBA heading into 2026-27.

The manner in which the ultimate placement is judged will likely come down to how one interprets the context. 

Ott went into last season as the #30 coach in Quinn's rankings, signifying a major rise in outside perception. However, one can question Quinn's points of critique, as well as some of the names that Ott places below.

The main points of critique here seem to be the Suns' lack of consistent ball control, as well as an underwhelming offensive rebounding output from last season. While some of this can hinge on coaching, the personnel ultimately didn't lend a favorable environment for Phoenix to thrive in either avenue.

Coaches such as Ime Udoka (Houston Rockets), Taylor Jenkins (Milwaukee Bucks), and Charles Lee (Charlotte Hornets) placing ahead of Ott are curious choices as well. Ott doesn't have as much long-term success as the first two names, and Lee's Hornets were perhaps a bigger surprise than Phoenix a season ago. 

However, Ott's style of coaching should garner more credit in this case, and it should reflect in a higher placement.

The most crucial aspect when it comes to Ott's possible staying power is simply how much respect he elicits from the locker room. Reports from last summer link Ott to being the first choice of franchise player Devin Booker, and he has yet to do anything to disprove the display of confidence.

That's certainly half of the battle, but his blueprint for success far exceeds leadership. 

Ott is a tactical mastermind, having drawn praise from various former coaches and players for his attention-to-detail. The drawn-out film sessions, openness to adaptability, and ability to curate a strong staff all point to a coach that is only moving in an upward trajectory. 

While the future is up-for-grabs, it's very simple to envision a future where Ott is still leading the Suns 10 years down the road. 

The future is bright with the second-year head coach in tow.