Atlanta, GA – The Atlanta Hawks named San Antonio assistant Mike Budenholzer the team's new head coach on Tuesday.
Budenholzer was the primary assistant under Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich for the last six seasons, and spent 17 of the last 19 campaigns with the franchise as an assistant. He was part of San Antonio's run of four NBA titles between 1999 and 2007.
"We are thrilled to have Mike as the next coach of the Atlanta Hawks," said club general manager Danny Ferry. "He has an incredible basketball acumen and has a keen awareness of the league and what it takes to be successful. His experience and four championships over the last 17 years provide a tremendous foundation for his leadership of our team."
The 43-year-old Budenholzer takes over for Larry Drew, who decided to seek other coaching opportunities after guiding the Hawks to a 44-38 record and first-round playoff defeat to the Indiana Pacers. Drew ended his Atlanta tenure with a 128-102 mark and three straight postseason appearances.
"I have been extremely fortunate to be a part of the San Antonio Spurs organization for the last 19 years. I knew it would have to be a tremendous situation for me to leave and clearly coming to Atlanta as the head coach of the Hawks is perfect for me," said Budenholzer. "Ownership's commitment to taking this organization to the next level and creating a unique and special culture, partnering with a general manager like Danny Ferry who I have great respect for, and building a roster that has terrific potential because of the existing core and the ensuing flexibility presents a rare and uniquely positive opportunity."
Budenholzer will continue to serve as a Spurs assistant through the end of the NBA Finals.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.