Replacing Bud: Eight Potential New Head Coaches For The Hawks

OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 23: Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Atlanta Hawks looks on against the Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on March 23, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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David Fizdale

In one of the strangest firings of the past season, Fizdale was dumped just 19 games into his second season as head coach of the Grizzlies. Fizdale, a former Hawks assistant coach, was hired to his first head coaching gig in Memphis after being part of the Heat coaching staff during the LeBron era in Miami.

During his first (and only) full season as Grizzlies coach he led them to 43 wins, which is respectable, but not outright mind-blowing by any means. After a poor start to this season however, Fizdale was out before the new year.

There were many rumors of the details behind the firing, but none really made much sense, besides a potential rift with Marc Gasol. LeBron himself was curious on the firing, calling his former coach a “fall guy.”

I need some answers. Feels like my man was a fall guy
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 27, 2017

Regardless of the circumstances, Fizdale is looking for a new job.

He’s already been linked to the open jobs in Phoenix, Charlotte and New York; Atlanta should be soon to follow. He’s a prime candidate for a second chance as a skipper.

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