Jerry Colangelo
Phoenix Suns Interim Head Coach | Suns Franchise Executive | Hall of Fame Contributor
Jerry Colangelo was born on November 20, 1939, in Chicago Heights, Illinois. After playing at the University of Illinois, he entered the NBA front office with the Chicago Bulls and became the Phoenix Suns' first general manager in 1968.
In addition to his executive work, Colangelo twice stepped in to coach the Suns: during the 1969-1970 season and again during 1972-1973.
Across those two assignments he went 59-60 in 119 NBA regular-season games. Phoenix reached the 1970 playoffs during his first coaching stint.
Colangelo went on to a prominent career as an NBA executive, owner and administrator and entered the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor in 2004.
- Overall Coaching Record: 59-60
Coaching Career
Colangelo became interim head coach on January 2, 1970, replacing Red Kerr while continuing his work in Phoenix's front office.
He went 24-20 over the Suns' final 44 regular-season games. Phoenix finished 39-43 overall and reached the playoffs, losing 4-3 to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Division Semifinals.
Following the season, Cotton Fitzsimmons took over as Phoenix head coach.
Notable Players Coached
- Connie Hawkins
- Hall of Fame forward
- Gail Goodrich
- Hall of Fame guard
- Dick Van Arsdale
- Three-time NBA All-Star
- Paul Silas
- Two-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA champion
Colangelo returned to the bench early in 1972-1973 after Butch van Breda Kolff coached the first seven games.
He directed the remaining 75 games and finished 35-40. Phoenix ended the season 38-44 and missed the playoffs.
This second stint brought his combined NBA head-coaching record to 59-60.
Notable Players Coached
- Charlie Scott
- Five-time NBA/ABA All-Star
- Dick Van Arsdale
- Three-time NBA All-Star
- Connie Hawkins
- Hall of Fame forward