Hawks officially tab 76ers' Pierce as new head coach

The Atlanta Hawks announced an agreement with Philadelphia 76ers assistant Lloyd Pierce on Friday to become the team's new head coach.

"As we set out to find a new head coach for our team, it was critically important to find a dynamic teacher who could connect with and develop our young core while instilling the culture and high standards we feel are necessary in a successful program," general manager Travis Schlenk said in a statement. "Lloyd Pierce checks every box, and we couldn't be more excited to have him leading the Atlanta Hawks into the future."

ESPN reported earlier Friday that Pierce was interviewing with the team for a third time as the expected hire for the vacancy. Pierce met with Schlenk last Friday and with majority owner Tony Ressler earlier this week, per the report.

"This is a day I've been working towards for a long time and it's an honor to be the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks," Pierce said in a statement. "I have great respect for Travis and strong belief in his plan to bring a championship to the city of Atlanta. After spending time with ownership, it's clear they have a deep investment in and commitment to making this a model organization. This opportunity is a perfect fit for me, and I'm eager to get started."

Pierce, whose focus is on the defense with Philadelphia, has been with the Sixers since 2013 following stints with Golden State, Memphis and Cleveland. The 76ers ranked third in defensive rating this season.

Atlanta's opening at head coach came after it mutually parted ways with Mike Budenholzer in late April. The team has three first-round picks in the upcoming NBA draft.

The Hawks also interviewed Golden State assistant Jarron Collins, Portland's Nate Tibbetts and former Memphis Grizzlies coach David Fizdale, who wound up taking the New York Knicks job.

--Field Level Media