Who will be the interim head coach for Atlanta Hawks after Nate McMillan steps down?

Following the reported dismissal of Nate McMillan by the Atlanta Hawks, all eyes are now on the team to figure out who will handle coaching duties going forward. The team currently has three assistant coaches, Joe Prunty, Mike Longabardi, and Ashton Gibbs.

Of the three, reports have indicated that Prunty will be the one to take over as interim head coach, given that he was named the lead assistant heading into the season.

Prunty, who has made a career out of being an assistant coach, is a three-time NBA champion and has been with the Hawks since 2021. His signing marked his return to the league after a two-year hiatus following a stint with the Phoenix Suns.

Under him, the team will have Longabardi and Gibbs as assistant coaches. At the same time, however, Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that the Hawks organization is beginning its search for a new head coach.

"The Hawks are starting a search for a new head coach immediately, sources tell ESPN. Among the top characteristics in the search: player development, accountability and getting Hawks offense and defense into league's Top 10."

Of course, with the halfway mark of the season already behind us, it will be interesting to see what the remaining weeks have in store for the Hawks.

Joe Prunty's assistant coaches, and potential head coaching replacements after Nate McMillan

Currently, many are predicting that the team could add Ime Udoka to its coaching staff. Of course, although the Boston Celtics recently promoted Joe Mazzulla to head coach, they may not be willing to release Udoka.

Earlier this season, when the Brooklyn Nets parted ways with Steve Nash, Udoka emerged as a front runner to replace him. The Celtics would have had to release him in order for him to sign elsewhere. If they weren't willing to release him and void his year-long team suspension then, they may not now.

At the same time, the Hawks organization may not be interested in hiring someone who brings the amount of controversy Udoka does. With 23 games left in the season, the Hawks may be content with Longabardi and Gibbs if they can't find a suitable replacement.

The more notable and impactful of the two is expected to be Longabardi, who has proven experience coaching under some of the greatest of all time. Most recently a member of the Sacramento Kings coaching staff, he also coached under Jeff Van Gundy, Doc Rivers, and Tom Thibodeau, to name a few.

Mike Longabardi and Tyronn Lue (Milwaukee Bucks v Cleveland Cavaliers)

Previewing the remainder of the Atlanta Hawks season

With the third toughest strength of schedule in the league, according to Tankathon, the Hawks will have their work cut out for them if they want to make a playoff run. Before they do so, of course, they may have to win in the play-in tournament.

If the season were to end today, the eighth-place team would match up with the Miami Heat in the play-in tournament. Whether or not a change in coaches ends up sparking a significant change in their offensive and defensive efficiency, only time will tell.