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Suns hiring Jeff Hornacek as coach

The Phoenix Suns are finalizing an agreement with Jeff Hornacek on a three-year contract to become the franchise's head coach, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The agreement will include a team option for a fourth year, sources said. A formal announcement is expected as soon as Sunday night.

The Suns and Hornacek also have started work on assembling an assistant coaching staff.

An assistant coach with the Utah Jazz, Hornacek met with new Suns general manager Ryan McDonough, president Lon Babby and owner Robert Sarver the past week in Phoenix.

Hornacek, 50, played the first six seasons of his 14-year NBA career with the Suns and remains a popular figure in the community. He keeps his offseason home in the Phoenix area.

For the Suns, Hornacek fits the profile of a coach who can grow with the franchise's plan to rebuild through young players and the draft. Phoenix has six first-round picks available over the next three years, and player development will be a top priority.

The Suns met with Houston Rockets assistant J.B. Bickerstaff on Friday. The Suns former interim coach, Lindsey Hunter, also interviewed for the job.

Hornacek also interviewed for the Bobcats' coaching opening this week.

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