BREAKING: Atlanta Hawks Make Huge Decision on Head Coach

 

The season had been dysfunctional at best, and there were rumors that Atlanta Hawks head coach Nate McMillan was so frustrated that he was considering stepping down. No need for that now, as the Hawks have fired him.  

The Atlanta Hawks dismissed coach Nate McMillan, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/Jjh3qlCnCX

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 21, 2023

Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news, and says the Hawks have already begun the search for a replacement.

The Hawks are starting a search for a new head coach immediately, sources tell ESPN. Among the top characteristics in the search: player development, accountability and getting Hawks offense and defense into league's Top 10.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 21, 2023

He says the team will be looking for someone who is strong in player development, can demand accountability, and can "get the Hawks offense and defense into league's Top 10" (that would probably be a prerequisite for most teams in a coaching search).

In the meantime, Joe Prunty will take over as the interim coach.

The Hawks are sitting in 8th spot in the Eastern Conference, at 29-30. Big things were expected after their big offseason trade bringing in Dejounte Murray to pair with Trae Young in an All-Star backcourt.

McMillan had spent the last 2 ½ seasons as the Hawks' head coach, taking them to the Eastern Conference Finals in his first year in 2021 after taking over early in the season.

 Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports