The Atlanta Hawks announced the departure of head coach Nate McMillan on Tuesday afternoon. The Hawks are left with 23 games after the All-Star weekend, and with a record of 29-30, they have decided to change things. With the departure of McMillan, assistant coach Joe Prunty is assigned as the interim head coach. Nonetheless, Quin Snyder is linked with a move back to the Hawks.
The Atlanta Hawks dismissed coach Nate McMillan, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/Jjh3qlCnCX
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 21, 2023
Quin Snyder has a lot of experience with coaching NBA teams, however, he took the position of assistant head coach for numerous teams. His first real charge of a team in the NBA came during an 8-year spell with the Utah Jazz. At the Jazz, he led the Jazz to six post-season runs and kept a winning percentage of 60%. Snyder earned a reputation for himself, for solidifying the Jazz’s defense, something which is severely lacking with the Hawks.
Snyder went to Duke University and played the position of a point guard from 1985-89. He started his coaching career quite early in 1992. He spends a season as the assistant coach of the Los Angeles Clippers. But he returned to his alma mater the next season to spend 4 years learning his trade. Aside from the Clippers, Snyder has worked at, the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Atlanta Hawks as an assistant coach.
The Hawks have started discussions with Quin Snyder to bring him in as their next head coach, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/wSu3OKiGu7
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 23, 2023
Snyder joined the Utah Jazz in 2014. He impressed the Jazz board with his work which saw him stayed as the head coach for 8 seasons. He was named a finalist for the NBA Coach of the Year in 2019. During his 8 seasons with the Jazz, he recorded 372-264 (.585) in regular season games. The Hawks will benefit from Quin’s appointment and will show promise on the defensive end.
Quin Snyder is ready to take charge of the Atlanta Hawks
With the Hawks pursuing their option of signing up Snyder, according to Shams Charania, it is said to be a mutual interest for both parties. Snyder, who previously worked with the Hawks as an assistant, is ready to take on as their new head coach. Snyder will be working with a young roster filled with talent. Trae Young who has been outstanding for the Hawks offensively will be coached by Snyder to better his defense.
Hawks zeroing in on potential hiring of Quin Snyder as Atlanta’s new head coach, sources say. More: pic.twitter.com/JWpCHruFUi
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 23, 2023
Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, John Collins, Clint Capela, and other players are yet to reach their potential. With the signing of Snyder, this could be possible, as he brought a huge upturn when he took charge of the Jazz. Things between Young and McMillan weren’t exactly going well, so with a new coach, the Jazz will be hoping everything works in favor of the team.