Editor's note: This story was first written when Earl Watson was fired as coach of the Phoenix Suns three games into the season. With the 2017-18 season winding down, we've updated it with more candidates.

The list of coaching candidates to fill the Suns’ vacancy should include some prominent names.

Today’s NBA certainly allows for a variety of coaching candidates.

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Nothing should be off the table when trying to identify the coach to move this franchise forward.

It’s worth talking about Steve Nash and Dan Majerle, for marketing purposes.

It’s worth trying to nail a basketball-smart choice, too. Assistant coaches Adrian Griffin (Thunder) and Ime Udoka (Spurs) are worthy targets.

Griffin is a Tom Thibodeau disciple (that means an emphasis on defense).

Udoka? Suns fans long ago gave up being critical of Gregg Popovich, and Udoka has been a key assistant. It’s OK to take a Spurs guy – even if he played a big role in convincing then-free agent LaMarcus Aldridge that San Antonio was a better choice than Phoenix.

Bottom line: Steve Kerr is a success, as is Mike D’Antoni. Magic Johnson was a bust. Today’s NBA needs a coach who knows basketball and, most important, can inspire players who will buy what that coach is selling.

Charles Barkley? Well, maybe that’s off the table.

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Here are some names being floated around to replace Earl Watson:

Jay Triano: Triano spent time as the head coach of the Toronto Raptors and is currently the Suns interim head coach. Does Phoenix like the job he has done since taking over for Earl Watson?

Steve Nash: He's never been a head coach in the NBA, but he sure could play. He does have some NBA experience. He's been a consultant for the Golden State Warriors.

Dan Majerle: Many felt the Suns made a mistake not making Majerle the Suns head coach when they fired Alvin Gentry. Would the current GCU coach even listen if Suns called?

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Mark Jackson: The former Warriors coach is an NBA commentator for NBA and is known for his knowlege of the game. He played in the NBA from 1987-2004.

Jason Kidd: The former Suns player went 183-190 in five season as an NBA coach before being fired by the Bucks earlier this season.

Sean Miller: With the scandal surrounding his program in Tucson, could the Wildcats coach move to Phoenix and the NBA?

John Calipari: The Suns have several players on their team who played at Kentucky. Why not reach out to their college coach to coach them in the NBA?

Jerry Stackhouse: Stackhouse has made a name for himself in the G-league. It's only a matter of time until he gets a chance in the NBA.

David Fizdale: Fizdale went 50-51 with the Grizzlies before being fired earlier this season. He spent several years with the Heat as a assistant and then associate head coach.

Adrian Griffin: Griffin is an assistant for the Oklahoma City Thunder, but has never had a shot at coaching his own team.

Ime Udoka: Udoka is an assistant with the Spurs and could be in line for a head coaching opportunity.

Monty Williams: Williams, the Vice President of basketball operations for the Spurs. He went 394-173 in five seasons as an NBA head coach in New Orleans.

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Bordow's take on the Suns' coaching search:

azcentral sports Suns beat reporter Scott Bordow gave an update on the Suns' coaching situation.

"I think (Jay Triano) will be a contender," he said in an azcentral sports' Shot Clock video, "but I think the Suns are going to interview different people. I mean, what they didn't do when they hired Earl Watson was go out and interview other candidates for the job. I think they will go outside, interview three, four, five candidates. Now, they may double back to Jay Triano and say you're the man for the job, but I think it is wise for them to go out and see who is out there because you want to see what they say about your organization."

Who would you like to see be the next Suns' head coach? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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