Suns’ Skiles Resigns, Johnson Takes Over

Scott Skiles stepped down Sunday as coach of the Phoenix Suns and was replaced by assistant Frank Johnson.

The Suns, who have been in the playoffs every season since 1987-88, are out of playoff contention. They were 25-26 under Skiles.

Johnson, 43, the first African American coach in franchise history, plans no immediate lineup changes.

There were reports of friction between the intense Skiles, at 37 the NBA’s second-youngest coach, and some of his players. But Skiles said he wasn’t aware of it.

“You may have to ask the players,” he said.

Penny Hardaway, mentioned as one of the malcontents, called the situation unfortunate but sounded upbeat about the change.

“We have to come together as a group to salvage the rest of the season and make the playoffs,” Hardaway said.

Skiles became the team’s coach 20 games into the 1999-2000 season, replacing Danny Ainge, who resigned. Skiles finished the season 40-22 and led the Suns to a 51-31 record last season.