Kenny Atkinson. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Kenny Atkinson backed out of Hornets job for family reasons?

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated 6/19/22

Kenny Atkinson had a surprising change of heart over the weekend and decided he will not become the next head coach of the Charlotte Hornets. According to one report, the job was not right for his family.

Will Kunkel of FOX Charlotte was told Atkinson backed out of the Hornets job “for family reasons.”

I’m told Kenny Atkinson changed his mind for family reasons.
Kenny had not signed the contract. They did agree to the terms of the contract, though.
The Hornets were waiting a few days to get the signed copy.

— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) June 18, 2022

That is similar to what Monte Pool of NBC Sports reported, which is that Atkinson had “mixed emotions.”

Kenny Atkinson spent this week coping with mixed emotions about leaving the Warriors to become head coach of the Hornets. In the end, he listened to his heart. And his family.

— Monte Poole (@MontePooleNBCS) June 18, 2022

Atkinson last week agreed to a four-year deal to become Charlotte’s head coach. It would stand to reason that he took his family into consideration when he verbally committed. That is why it is so bizarre that he suddenly changed his mind. It is also unusual that he would opt to remain an assistant with the Golden State Warriors rather than taking a head coach job.

Atkinson may have an expanded role with the Warriors now that top assistant Mike Brown has taken a head coaching job elsewhere. Golden State probably gave him a raise as well. Still, all of this should have come up before Atkinson took the Hornets job. The timing is the most puzzling part of the equation.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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