The Milwaukee Bucks plan to interview San Antonio Spurs assistant Ettore Messina, former Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford, and Spurs Vice President of Basketball Operations Monty Williams, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Bucks are expected to interview at least 10 candidates during their coaching search, already having David Fizdale out of the picture after he accepted the New York Knicks job on Thursday.

Very much like the Knicks, the Bucks will be thorough in their search for a new boss, prioritizing a coach that can relate to his players and device a system centered on their strengths.

Messina is as decorated a coach as they get in Europe, winning multiple championships in his native Italy and Russia, while receiving plentiful awards in both countries, also a two-time EuroLeague Coach of the Year.

He got his first stint as an acting head coach, taking over the helm for the Spurs' last three postseason games against the Golden State Warriors, following the unexpected passing of Gregg Popovich's wife.

Clifford coached the Hornets for five seasons, but only made the postseason in two of them, getting a quick boot from the playoffs in both occasions. His career 196-214 record isn't great, but his rapport with players is splendid.

Williams has had experience as a head coach, an assistant, an executive, and as a former player — able to view things from many different aspects. Personable, respected, and keen to return to the sidelines, he remains a suitable dark horse candidate to take over the helm of this Milwaukee team moving forward.