Kenny Atkinson has decided not to become the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets, and instead to stay with the Golden State Warriors as a senior assistant, according to the network. ESPN.
Journalist Adrian Wojnarowski reports that during the NBA Finals, Atkinson accepted the Hornets’ offer, but later backed out.
Atkinson now believes the best way to continue his coaching career is to remain a member of the Warriors.
The Hornets had narrowed their list of potential candidates to just three names. In addition to Atkinson, Mike D’Antoni and Terry Stotts were also in consideration.
Charlotte is looking to replace James Berrego, who was sacked after four campaigns with the club. The Hornets posted a 138-163 overall record under him.
Atkinson spent more than three years at the helm of the Brooklyn Nets, which were in the midst of a rebuild at the time. He then joined the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2020-2021 season, before joining Steve Kerr’s coaching staff at Golden State.
The Hornets have missed the playoffs for the past six seasons, the longest such streak in franchise history.
