Suns Assistant Joins BYU as New Head Coach in Major Coup

In a major coaching coup for the collegiate ranks, Kevin Young, the highly-regarded associate head coach of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, is set to take over as the new head coach of the Brigham Young University (BYU) men’s basketball program. Young, who has been lauded for his coaching acumen and player development skills during his tenure with the Suns, will be tasked with leading the Cougars into their second season in the competitive Big 12 Conference.

The move comes on the heels of BYU’s former head coach, Mark Pope, departing to take the reins at the University of Kentucky following a successful inaugural campaign in the Big 12. Pope’s departure left a sizable void in Provo, and the Cougars have moved swiftly to secure Young’s services, luring him away from the NBA with a substantial long-term commitment.

Born in Salt Lake City, Young’s return to his home state is a homecoming of sorts, and his deep ties to the region are expected to aid in his transition to the collegiate ranks. Despite fielding interest from multiple NBA teams for head coaching vacancies, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets, and his current employer, the Suns, Young’s decision to take the BYU job underscores his desire to make an impact at the collegiate level.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kevin Young to the BYU family,” said BYU Athletic Director Tom Holmoe. “His wealth of coaching experience, combined with his deep understanding of the game and commitment to player development, make him an ideal fit to lead our program into the future.”

Young’s coaching journey began in 2007 as an assistant at Utah Valley University, and he quickly ascended through the ranks, spending eight years in the NBA G League, including head coaching stints with the Utah Flash, Iowa Energy, and Delaware 87ers. His success in the developmental league caught the attention of NBA teams, and he soon found himself in demand as a top assistant coaching candidate.

In his current role with the Suns, Young has played a pivotal part in the team’s resurgence, working closely with head coach Monty Williams and the talented Phoenix roster. His ability to connect with players and impart his basketball wisdom has been widely praised, making him a highly coveted coaching asset.

While Young will continue his duties with the Suns during their playoff run, he is already assembling a coaching staff at BYU and laying the groundwork for an immediate impact on the recruiting trail. The Cougars, fresh off their first season in the Big 12, will look to build upon their newfound momentum and establish themselves as a formidable force in one of the nation’s premier conferences.

As the basketball world eagerly awaits Young’s debut on the collegiate sidelines, his appointment at BYU serves as a testament to the growing trend of NBA talent making the leap to the college game. With his impressive pedigree and commitment to excellence, Young is poised to elevate the Cougars’ program to new heights, ushering in an exciting era of BYU basketball.