Phoenix Suns

Suns choose Earl Watson as interim coach

Published Feb. 1, 2016 6:43 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Phoenix Suns have named assistant coach and former NBA player Earl Watson interim head coach, the team announced Monday. He replaces Jeff Hornacek, who was fired after Sunday night's loss to Dallas.

Now the 17th head coach in franchise history, Watson joined the Suns as an assistant coach this past offseason after working last season as an assistant coach for the Austin Spurs of the NBA Development League. Watson became a coach following a 13-year NBA career as a point guard in which he appeared in 878 career games with Seattle/Oklahoma City, Memphis, Denver, Indiana, Utah and Portland from 2001-2014.

Watson played for three NBA Coach of the Year Award winners throughout his 13-year career (Hubie Brown, George Karl, Scott Brooks), as well as Hall of Famer Jerry Sloan.

Prior to being selected 40th overall in the 2001 NBA Draft, Watson was a four-year starter at UCLA.

Watson will speak to the media on Tuesday.