Jeff Hornacek Leaving Phoenix Suns For Iowa State?

After losing their head coach Fred Hoiberg to the Chicago Bulls, it looks like the Iowa State Cyclones are looking at another alumnus to pick up their head coaching vacancy and the guy is currently in the NBA – Jeff Hornacek.

The Cyclones head coaching position was recently vacated with the departure of Fred Hoiberg who agreed to coach the Chicago Bulls. Hoiberg replaced Tom Thibodeau at the helm in a reported five-year deal worth about $25 million.

Hornacek has ties with Iowa State aside from the fact that he did play for the school before.

At the moment, Hornacek’s status with the Suns seems to be status quo and the Iowa State head coaching vacancy could just sway the former NBA guard to consider picking up the slack.

But during an interview with Paul Boivin of the Arizona Republic, Hornacek seems to be committed to helping the Suns get back on the right track.

"It would be an honor and it'd be fun to coach your alma mater, but Ryan (Suns GM Ryan McDonough) and I came here with a purpose and the purpose is to get the Phoenix Suns back on track”.

Hornacek has proven that he can coach and though the results are not boldly seen, the Suns have made marked improvements since he took over.

Hornacek was instilled as the head coach of the Phoenix Suns since 2013.

In his maiden year, Hornacek made a good account for himself in his rookie year and almost led the team to the NBA playoffs with a 48-34. The Dallas Mavericks eventually booked the last slot by a game (49-33) , relegating the Suns to 9th place.

This year and despite a rag-tag team, Hornacek was able to help the Suns to get as far as 10th place in the Western Conference (39-43).

The feat may not be something that could speak well for Hornacek. But given the manpower he had to deal with, the feat was something worth noting.

Still and all, Hornacek’s progress may not necessarily mean he has a lock on the head coaching position.

At the way coaches have been fired lately, it can be seen that the success by Scott Brooks (formerly of the Oklahoma City Thunder) and Tom Thibodeau (Chicago Bulls) for their ballclubs in the past does not guarantee that they will stay on for long.

Hornacek will be looking for security like other players or coaches and between the NBA and the NCAA, a jump to his alma matter could be possible unless the former NBA guard decides to stick it out with the Suns and worry about employment later.