Soaring Down South
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next

3. Mike Fratello

Years as Hawks coach:

8; 1983-84 to 1989-90

W/L Record (win percentage):

324-253 (.562)

Before Fratello became one of the most well-respected commentators in basketball, he coached a number of beloved Hawk squads in the 1980s. He took over the Hawks before the 1983-84 season, after being a top assistant coach on the Hawks’ staff for four years prior.

At the young age of 36, the Czar coached his first NBA game. In his first season, the Hawks went 40-42 and forced the second-place Milwaukee Bucks to five games (in a best-of-five series).

The New Jersey native was awarded the NBA Coach of the Year for his coaching prowess in the 1985-86 season. The Hawks finished with a 50-32 record, eclipsing the previous season of 34-48.

Fratello’s Hawks teams were never equipped with the talent of some of the Eastern Conference’s powerhouses, but he got every bit of talent out of his players and for that, his name will forever shine in Atlanta.

Next: No. 2