Brigham Young University will see a new leader in Kevin Young, the current top assistant for the Phoenix Suns, according to sources from CBS Sports. The deal, although not yet finalized, is set for seven years and around $30 million. Young will be taking over from Mark Pope, who recently left for the Kentucky job after five successful seasons at BYU.
This hire comes at a crucial time for the Cougars as they embark on their second year in the highly competitive Big 12 conference. Young, at 42 years old, has garnered respect in the NBA and was a finalist for the head coaching position with the Brooklyn Nets. Despite never playing for or coaching at BYU, Young stood out as the top choice for the job. His connections to the school, including friendships with BYU alum Danny Ainge and billionaire Ryan Smith, were significant factors in his appointment.
It is reported that Smith and Ainge played key roles in securing Young’s hire, with Smith contributing financially to the deal. While Young will be leaving his current position as the highest-paid assistant in the NBA, he will finish out the playoff run with the Phoenix Suns before transitioning to BYU.
The university’s hiring process for Young differed from the norm, with him being the sole candidate interviewed, a departure from the usual requirement of considering at least three candidates. Additionally, the head coach at BYU must be actively practicing in the Mormon faith, which Young adheres to. His experience in the G League and as an NBA assistant, along with personal considerations such as family life and a desire to step back from the hectic NBA schedule, contributed to his decision to take on the college coaching position at BYU.
With Young’s appointment, the focus now shifts to retaining key players on the BYU roster amidst recent transfers and navigating the competitive landscape of college basketball recruiting. Young will work quickly to assemble a coaching staff and adapt to the unique challenges and restrictions faced by BYU due to its church affiliations and honor code.
