The Charlotte Hornets will have to re-open their head coaching search after Kenny Atkinson has changed his mind and will no longer take the job, according to Adrian Wojnarowski. Atkinson will instead remain with the Golden State Warriors as the top assistant coach under Steve Kerr.
Atkinson, who went through multiple interviews with the Hornets over the past few weeks, agreed to a four-year deal with the team to become their new head coach on June 18. The Hornets were hopeful that Atkinson could help improve the team’s defense, just as he did in his previous stint as a head coach with the Brooklyn Nets.
At this point, it is unclear why Atkinson decided to reverse course and remain with the Warriors.
ESPN Sources: Kenny Atkinson has decided he won’t become the Charlotte Hornets’ head coach and will remain with Golden State as top assistant. After being offered job during the NBA Finals, further conversations led Atkinson to believe it would be best to remain with Warriors.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 18, 2022
Congratulations to Charlotte #Hornets head coach Kenny Atkinson on winning the NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors! #AllFly pic.twitter.com/P9Al4EShX9
— Swarm and Sting (@SwarmnSting) June 17, 2022