PHOENIX, April 18 (UPI) -- Frank Johnson, who replaced Scott Skiles in mid-February, was given a three-year contract Thursday to remain Phoenix Suns coach.
The 43-year-old Johnson went 11-20 for a club that missed the playoffs for the first time in 14 years. Skiles had mutually agreed with the team to resign.
"I think Frank brought some enthusiasm," Suns owner Jerry Colangelo said. "I just got a better feel that there was something positive going on."
The Suns have a young nucleus of players that includes Stephon Marbury and Shawn Marion and will add a lottery pick to the mix next season.
Johnson was in his sixth season as an assistant with the Suns when Skiles admitted that his players were uninspired and stepped down as coach.
Phoenix finished sixth in the Pacific Division with a 36-46 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since the 1987-88 season.
Johnson is the Suns' fifth coach in the last seven seasons, following Paul Westphal, Cotton Fitzsimmons, Danny Ainge and Skiles.
He has been a member of the organization in some capacity since Nov. 5, 1992, when he signed as a free agent. He was a key reserve on the 1992-93 team that reached the NBA Finals.
After he retired following the 1993-94 season, Johnson moved into the front office, working in the community relations department.
Johnson moved to the bench as an assistant coach in February 1997.
