Atlanta Hawks Fire Nate McMillan: Will Quin Snyder Replace Him As Head Coach?

• The Atlanta Hawks decided to cut ties with head coach Nate McMillan on Tuesday
• They have struggled this season, with their poor record contributing to McMillan’s firing
• The Hawks have started their search for their next head coach, with Quin Snyder among the candidates

Another one bites the dust.

The Atlanta Hawks fired head coach Nate McMillan on Tuesday, ending his nearly two-year stint as the team’s chief tactician.

The search is now underway for the team’s next coach as the Hawks look to salvage their disappointing season thus far.

They are ranked eighth in the Eastern Conference, with the Hawks carrying a 29-30 record. They are 3.5 games behind the New York Knicks for the sixth seed, the last guaranteed playoff spot in the East.

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The Hawks have decided, in the meantime, to appoint Joe Prunty as the team’s interim coach. He will not be in charge for long, though, with general manager Landry Fields already starting his pursuit for Atlanta’s next head coach.

The Hawks were expected to replace McMillan in the offseason, but the front office decided to make the coaching change now to help their playoff push.

Who will the Hawks choose?

So who are the candidates tipped to be the next Hawks coach?

According to Sporting News, Quin Snyder is rumored to be one of Atlanta’s leading options. He has some history with this franchise, with Snyder serving as an assistant under former Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer.

He led Utah to six straight appearances in the Western Conference playoffs, reaching the conference semifinals in three of those seasons. Snyder quit his post after the 2021-22 campaign.

Other names that have popped up as early favorites to replace McMillan are Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson and Milwaukee Bucks associate head coach Charles Lee.

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Characteristics of next Hawks coach

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the principal characteristics that the Hawks ownership and management will look for in their next head coach are accountability, player development, and the ability to get Atlanta’s offense and defense into the NBA’s top 10.

The Hawks are currently ranked 16th in the league in offensive rating and 21st in defensive rating.

Vaughn signs contract extension

NBA teams have been busy with coaching moves after the All-Star break, with Sports Brief recently reporting on Jacque Vaughn’s contract extension with the Brooklyn Nets.

Vaughn earned his new deal, leading the Nets to fifth place in the East despite their tumultuous season. He navigated the multi-game absences of former star players Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, leading Brooklyn to a 32-19 record since Steve Nash’s dismissal on November 1.

Vaughn won the NBA Coach of the Month last December.