Budenholzer, Atlanta Hawks decide to part ways

WASHINGTON, April 26 (Xinhua) -- The Atlanta Hawks will be in the market for a new head coach as Mike Budenholzer and the franchise mutually agree to part ways, the club said on Thursday.

Budenholzer was named Hawks head coach in 2013. In his five seasons with Atlanta, The Hawks made the playoffs in each of Budenholzer's first four seasons, including a franchise-record 60 victories in 2014-15 as he earned Coach of the Year honor. That season also marked the first time Atlanta advanced to the conference finals since 1970.

The Hawks bottomed out this season, however, finishing last in the Eastern Conference at 24-58.

"I am grateful for the five years that I spent as coach of the Atlanta Hawks and will always cherish the incredible contributions, commitment and accomplishments of the players that I was fortunate enough to work with here," Budenholzer said.

"From ownership to management, support staff to the community, I'll look back with great pride on what we were able to achieve together with the Hawks," he added.

Candidates the Hawks are expected to consider to replace Budenholzer include former Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale, Portland Trail Blazers assistant Nate Tibbetts, Charlotte Hornets assistant Stephen Silas and San Antonio Spurs assistants Ime Udoka and James Borrego. Enditem