Newman spurns Suns, will remain on Spurs staff

Spurs assistant coach Don Newman has turned down an offer from the Suns to become that team’s defensive coordinator and will remain on Gregg Popovich’s coaching staff.

Spurs general manager R.C. Buford confirmed Newman’s decision to continue his tenure with the Spurs, a choice first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of YahooSports!, via Twitter.

Only Mike Budenholzer has been on Popovich’s coaching staff longer than Newman. One of the most popular figures in the basketball organization, he has focused on coaching defense since being hired on June 28,2004.

Spurs’ Newman interviews with Suns

Spurs assistant Don Newman is one of a handful of candidates who have interviewed with the Phoenix Suns for a to-be-created spot on head coach Alvin Gentry’s bench.

In a story first reported by the , Gentry is looking for an aide to be a de facto “defensive coordinator.”

A veteran of seven seasons under Gregg Popovich in San Antonio, Newman is one of at least three coaches who have spoken with Gentry about the position, according to the Republic. One of the others is former Rockets assistant Elston Turner.