Former University of Washington coach Mike Hopkins has agreed to join the Phoenix Suns as an assistant coach, according to ESPN sources and Pete Thamel.
The former Huskies coach had one year remaining on his contract with the Huskies. The contract is worth approximately $3.1 million and is fully guaranteed. In college basketball, it is rare for coaches to enter the final year of their contract without an extension or a departure, and Hopkins is no exception.
In March, the University of Washington announced that Hopkins would not continue as their head coach for the upcoming season. Washington athletic director Troy Dannen revealed the news, praising Hopkins’ tenure with them.
“Mike has led the program with great integrity during his seven years at Washington, and remains a highly respected coach and one of the great gentlemen in the game. Everyone at the university is grateful for his service, his commitment to the experiences of our student-athletes, and his leadership within the department,” Dannen said.
Hopkins’ move to the Suns marks a significant shift in his career, taking him from the college ranks to the NBA. He is the latest addition to new head coach Mike Budenholzer‘s coaching staff in Phoenix, which also includes David Fizdale and Chad Forcier.
Mike Hopkins’ Coaching Record
Mike Hopkins brings a wealth of experience to his new Phoenix Suns coaching staff role. He has over 30 years of college basketball coaching experience.
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The 54-year-old coached the Washington Huskies for seven seasons. When he took over, the Huskies struggled with a 2-16 record in conference play. Under his leadership, they turned things around, finishing with a 10-8 record. It earned Hopkins the Pac-12 Coach of the Year award.
This winning culture continued, allowing him to win back-to-back Pac-12 Coach of the Year awards. In his second season, he also guided the program to the Round of 32.
Over his seven seasons with Washington, Hopkins achieved a 122-110 (.526) record. His coaching era would be unforgettable, as he led them to a conference title and an NCAA tournament bid in 2019.
Hopkins also spent 22 years at Syracuse as an assistant coach under Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim.
