Just a few days after officially parting ways with head coach Mike Budenholzer, the Atlanta Hawks are already in search of a replacement. The team first set their sights on a pair of Portland Trail Blazers assistant coaches in Nate Tibbetts and David Vanterpool, with the former considered as a “serious” candidate.

But you can add David Fizdale to the list as well.

Fizdale last coached the Memphis Grizzlies after being fired just 19 games into his second season after numerous injuries (of note, to guard Mike Conley who barely played the whole year) and just a season removed from leading them to a playoff berth.

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half in game three of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Timberwolves rumors: Julius Randle labeled NBA free agency’s ‘most interesting man’Zachary Weinberger ·
Reggie Miller and Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon are seen after game six of the eastern conference finals against the New York Knicks for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Pacers legend Reggie Miller calls out ‘fake a**’ Knicks fans after ECFJackson Stone ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
Lakers’ LeBron James exquisitely breaks down what makes Luka Doncic specialZachary Weinberger ·
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) chat before a game at Chase Center.
Warriors’ Draymond Green drops ‘surgical’ truth bomb on Tyrese HaliburtonMalik Brown ·
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) raises the trophy after game six of the eastern conference finals against the New York Knicks for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
‘Fire’ Myles Turner Pacers tribute video gives him ‘chills’Lorenzo J Reyna ·
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) warms up prior to game six of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton trolls Knicks, fans with hype videoTroy Finnegan ·

Prior to that, the Los Angeles native was part of the Miami Heat's coaching staff for eight seasons and helped steer the “Heatles” of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh to a pair of championships. At one point, he even became an associate head coach — no doubt playing a critical factor in the Grizzlies' decision to hire him.

If the Hawks end up giving Fizdale the job, it will be full circle for him having served as an assistant for them from 2004 to 2008. At any rate, he will have a tall task ahead of him with the Hawks tied for the third-worst record in the league after finishing with a 24-58 slate and their first year out of the playoffs in ten seasons.

While the team is led in scoring by guard Dennis Schroeder, the surprising contributions of rookie John Collins and second-year player Taurean Prince, as well as the addition of a potential game changer through the lottery, may turn things around for the franchise.