Kenny Atkinson changes mind on taking Hornets coaching job, will stay with Warriors as assistant, per report

Sat, Jun 18, 2022
NBA News (AP)

The Charlotte Hornets will have to re-open their head coaching search after Kenny Atkinson has changed his mind and will no longer take the job, according to Adrian Wojnarowski. Atkinson will instead remain with the Golden State Warriors as the top assistant coach under Steve Kerr.'

Atkinson, who went through multiple interviews with the Hornets over the past few weeks, agreed to a four-year deal with the team to become their new head coach on June 18. The Hornets were hopeful that Atkinson could help improve the team's defense, just as he did in his previous stint as a head coach with the Brooklyn Nets.'

At this point, it is unclear why Atkinson decided to reverse course and remain with the Warriors. Per Wojnarowski, it happened after "further conversations," but that is rather vague. Atkinson and the Warriors, of course, won the title earlier this week after defeating the Boston Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals.

AP Sports will continue updating this breaking news story.'