Quin Snyder probably has a better NBA head coaching record than you think. The past two years have been middling, as we all know, but his career mark of 458-363 (55.8 winning percentage) is still impressive. Snyder wins games — and if the Hawks make the improvements that many expect them to in 2025-26, Snyder will quickly etch his name in the Coach of the Year conversation.
He's never won it, but Snyder was the head coach of the All-Star Game in 2021, when he was in charge of the Utah Jazz. This year's Hawks team might give Snyder his best chance yet to take home some hardware.
How can Quin Snyder earn Coach of the Year votes?
First and foremost, the vibes have to be good. I know that sounds like a joke, but I'm serious! The coach of 48-win team with incredible vibes (see, 2022-23 Sacramento Kings) will always get more love than the coach of a 50-win team that didn't feel like it reached its full potential.
Exceeding expectations is also a surefire way to at least get into the conversation. That's potentially where Snyder's biggest obstacle to COY lies; the vibes should be great, but the Hawks are expected to be better after adding high-level talent this offseason.
So the Hawks will need to be considerably better than their 40-42 record last year. Hitting the 50-win mark and finishing in the top four in the East? That could get Snyder over the hump. Finishing 48-34 and sneaking ino the sixth seed? That might not be quite enough of a leap, especially with how high the general public is on this squad.
Another key to winning over voters is having a real identity. If the Hawks are a good team but don't have a true calling card, they won't stand out. But if Snyder really lets this team loose on offense and they finish in the top five of offensive rating, that is a big step toward COY love. Or maybe adding Nickiel Alexander-Walker and Kristaps Porzingis raises the defensive ceiling, and the Hawks become a defensive juggernaut.
Improving both marginally (the Hawks finished No. 17 and No. 18 last year in offensive and defensive rating, respectively) would be great. But a huge improvement on one end might actually be better for Snyder's COY candidacy.
There's an equation here. Vibes, plus exceeding expectations, plus a real identity, equals votes for Coach of the Year. That's about all the math I can handle today.
Snyder also starts at a bit of an advantage because he's already such a well-respected coach in NBA circles. Ask any other NBA coach who the best coaches in the league are, and Snyder's name will come up more often than not. Already having that name recognition should serve him well.