The Phoenix Suns and head coach Monty Williams have agreed to a multi-year contract extension, the team announced Wednesday.
Williams, 50, had two years left on his original five-year deal.
“Monty has raised the standard for our organization and overseen the transformation of our team’s culture since he joined as head coach three years ago,” said General Manager James Jones via a statement from the team announcing the move. “We’re excited to announce this extension and look forward to continuing to build upon this success in the years ahead.”
The 2021-22 NBA Coach of the Year, in addition to being selected by his peers as the NBCA Coach of the Year winner for both 2020-21 and 2021-22, Williams is heading into his fourth season as the Suns’ head coach since joining the organization in 2019.
In his first three seasons as head coach, the Suns have become the first team in NBA history to increase their win total by at least 13 wins in three consecutive seasons, recording one Western Conference title, two Pacific Division titles, and two playoff appearances.
Last season, Williams and the Suns set a franchise record by winning 64 games and finished with the NBA’s best record by eight games above the second best. However, the season ended in disappointment as Phoenix lost to the Mavericks in 7 in the second round of the playoffs.
“I’m grateful to extend my commitment to this team and to all the people who make it a special place,” said Williams. “Our players put in the work every day that allows us to be successful, and I’m excited to continue this journey with them. I appreciate the constant effort of our staff and every member of the Suns organization; it is a joy to work alongside them all. Our fans are incredible and have made my family, and I feel so welcome in the Valley. I’m thankful for them and look forward to continue to work in the community here.
“This is a get to, not a got to. It’s a blessing to be head coach of the Phoenix Suns.”
In 2020-21, Williams led the Suns to the NBA’s second-best record and the team’s first Pacific Division title since 2007. This preceded a memorable playoff run in which the Suns won a franchise postseason record nine straight games on the way to the third Western Conference title in team history and first since 1993. Unfortunately, the Suns would lose to the Bucks in the NBA Finals.
