Suhr boasts an impressive résumé that includes a pair of NBA titles as an assistant under Chuck Daly in Detroit when the Pistons claimed back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990. He was the head scout for the gold-medal winning United States “Dream Team” at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, and served as an assistant at two NBA All-Star Games (1988, 1992).
From 1997-99, he worked for Daly as an assistant with the Magic. His last stint in the NBA came with New York. He served as an assistant coach (2004-05, 2006-08) for the Knicks and also as a scout and director of player personnel (2004-08).
During his time in the NBA, Suhr assisted Basketball Hall of Fame coaches Daly, Hubie Brown and Lenny Wilkens. He also coached Hall of Famers Adrian Dantley, Joe Dumars, Isiah Thomas and Dominique Wilkens.
“Brendan brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our staff. He has been associated with some of the greatest coaches and players in the history of this game,” Jones said. “His expertise will certainly be beneficial as we continue to build this program.”
Most recently, Suhr focused on speaking and consulting as the founder and president of Off the Court, Inc. He also worked with Boston Celtics’ assistant coach Kevin Eastman to create and manage Coaching U, a leadership, learning and coaching development group. Additionally, he authored the book Chuck Daly Coaching U.
A native of Fair Lawn, N.J., Suhr began his NBA career in 1979 with a nine-year stint as an assistant with the Atlanta Hawks. After briefly serving as the Hawks’ assistant general manager, he joined Daly in Detroit from 1988-92. In 1992, he moved with Daly to the New Jersey Nets for two campaigns (1992-93 through 1993-94). He spent the 1996-97 season as an assistant with the Toronto Raptors.
Suhr also has experience in the Continental Basketball Association, serving as president, general manager and head coach of the Grand Rapids Hoops from 1995-97. He also co-owned the franchise for three years. Suhr, who was recognized as the CBA’s Coach of the Year in 1995-96, also worked as the league’s executive vice president of basketball operations and industry relations.
Suhr began his coaching career on the college level as an assistant at Detroit in the 1970s, before moving to Fairfield.