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Top 5 Coaches in Atlanta Hawks History

By Nile Goodwyn

Mar 16, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer reacts to a call during the first quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer reacts to a call during the first quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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4. Rich Guerin

Years as Hawks coach:

8;1964-65 to 1971-72

W/L Record (win percentage):

327-291 (.529)

When the Hawks moved from St. Louis to Atlanta after the ’68 season, Guerin came along shortly after. Following a 56-win season and a #1 seed in the Western Division, Guerin followed that season up with a 48-34 season, in which the Hawks advanced to the Western Division Finals, but fell to the Lakers in six games. For his coaching efforts, he was awarded the NBA Coach of the Year award for the 1967-68 season. In the next three seasons, the Hawks never finished lower than second in the Western Division, and advanced to the playoffs every season.

Guerin also has the distinction of being the only player-coach on this list. He averaged 5.6 points and 3.7 assists for the 1968-69 Hawks, at 36 years old. Even while helping a franchise come into its’ own, he showcased whatever athletic skill he had left, after a Hall-of-Fame career as a player. He was inducted into the Hall-of-Fame for his success as a player in 2013.

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