Atlanta Hawks fire head coach Lloyd Pierce after two seasons

The Atlanta Hawks fired head coach Lloyd Pierce on Monday after a disappointing 14-20 start this season.

Hawks President Travis Schlenk announced the decision in a short statement released by the team.

“We would like to thank Lloyd for his work and commitment to not only the Hawks organization but the city of Atlanta,” Schlenk said. “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.”

League sources told ESPN and WSB-TV in Atlanta that assistant Nate McMillan will become the Hawks’ interim head coach. According to ESPN, Pierce was supportive of McMillan accepting the interim position.

McMillan, who previously served as head coach of the Indiana Pacers for four seasons, was added to Pierce’s coaching staff in the off-season. He filled in for Pierce when Pierce was away from the team while his wife gave birth.

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The Hawks have yet to officially name an interim head coach.

Atlanta started the season with a 10-9 mark, but the team dropped 11 of its past 15 games as injuries mounted. The Hawks are 11th in the Eastern Conference after a 109-99 loss to the Miami Heat on Sunday night.