Atlanta Hawks Fire Head Coach, Lloyd Pierce

The Atlanta Hawks have dismissed head coach Lloyd Pierce after a 14-20 start this season. The team is currently sitting 11th in the eastern conference and are 2.5 games back of the top-8.

Hawks president and general manager Travis Schlenk said this in a team statement:

We would like to thank Lloyd for his work and commitment to not only the Hawks organization but the city of Atlanta. He and his wife, Melissa, are tremendous people who have made a positive impact throughout the city. We have high expectations for our team on the court and we believe by making this change now that we can have a strong second half of the season.

Atlanta has dismissed Lloyd Pierce as coach, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 1, 2021

Photo credit: © Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports 

Pierce will have never led the Hawks to the playoffs in his two-plus years on the job, but his impact in the Atlanta community has been dramatic and lasting.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 1, 2021

Trae Young in February with Lloyd Pierce (8 GP):

20.6 PPG
11.3 APG
39.3 FG%
29.5 3PT%
1-7 Record

Trae Young in February with Nate McMillan (3 GP):

35.3 PPG
11.3 APG
61.8 FG%
47.8 3FG%
2-1 Record

Fire Lloyd Pierce🤞

— ⚡️ (@Prime_VC) February 24, 2021

Some could see this coming while there's certainly a level of surprise to the move. Pierce's future has come up as recent as last week, and management decided it was time to make a move and hope they can claw their way back into the playoff picture. The team is currently meeting Monday afternoon to discuss the news and management is hopeful Nate McMillan will accept the interim position. 

 

"Travis is going to fire me one day. And do you know what I’m going to say? The guy gave me a great opportunity in life. Do you think I’m going to be pissed? He’s damn near my best friend.”
-- Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce.@TheAthletic https://t.co/wxBfzdSFRO

— Jeff Schultz (@JeffSchultzATL) February 26, 2021