Hawks name Woodson new head coach

Woodson — an 11-year veteran of the NBA — had served as an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons, who captured their third NBA championship last month.

"I am very excited about hiring Mike as our new head coach," said general manager Billy Knight. "He has paid his dues and is very deserving of this opportunity. Mike has all of the qualities I was looking for in a head coach as we went through this process. He possesses a tremendous work ethic and he’s an excellent motivator, something that is very important to our franchise and ownership group as we move forward."

The 46-year-old Woodson becomes the Hawks’ 10th head coach since the franchise moved to the Atlanta area in 1968. He spent the last three seasons with the Pistons and Philadelphia 76ers under the guidance of Larry Brown. Woodson has also been an assistant coach with Milwaukee and Cleveland.

He replaces Terry Stotts, who was fired as the Hawks’ head coach on May 6 after a 52-85 record in 1 1/2 seasons. Atlanta has missed the playoffs in each of the last five campaigns.

"As many assistant coaches around the league would tell you, we all strive to reach this level," said Woodson. "Becoming a head coach in the NBA has been a goal of mine for many years and I’ve patiently waited for an opportunity like this one."