New Hawks coach Snyder facing difficult midseason transition

ATLANTA (AP) — Quin Snyder was more than just the first coaching candidate contacted when Atlanta Hawks general manager Landry Fields began looking to replace Nate McMillan.

Snyder was the only candidate interviewed by Fields.

“Everything we were looking for, it was check, check, check,” Fields said of his conversation with Snyder, the former Utah Jazz coach, who was introduced on Monday as the Hawks' new coach. Fields said finding the right fit immediately with Snyder “was a big moment.”

Snyder will make his Atlanta debut on Tuesday night, when the Hawks play at home against Washington. Joe Prunty, who was 2-0 as the interim coach, will remain on the bench beside Snyder.

The Hawks announced Snyder's hiring on a fiveyear deal on Sunday night, only five days after McMillan was fired with the team mired in eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

The announcement was not a surprise. Fields confirmed on Wednesday that Snyder was a candidate.

Fields hopes the Hawks, currently in position for a spot in the play-in tournament, can finish the regular season strong under Snyder and earn a playoff spot as one of the top six teams in the East.

The Hawks (31-30) have struggled to reclaim the success they enjoyed under McMillan in reaching the 2021 Eastern Conference finals. The expectation to find that winning formula is now transferred to Snyder in a potentially difficult transition so late in the season.

“It's always a challenge, but those challenges are often most rewarding and the best opportunity,” Snyder said.

He acknowledged that the decision to take over the job now, instead of waiting until after the season, wasn't easy.