Larry Drew wasn’t out of work for long.
The former Hawks head coach was hired by the Bucks only three days after he was informed by the Hawks that he would not have his contract renewed. The Hawks hired Mike Budenholzer on Tuesday, a day before Drew had a second interview with the Bucks.
“After a thorough search and interview process, it was clear to us that Larry’s track record in Atlanta, along with his experience as an assistant coach and player, make him the right choice to lead our club,” Bucks general manager John Hammond said in a statement. “We look forward to what he will bring this franchise, and we welcome him and his family to Milwaukee.”
When reached Friday, Drew declined immediate comment.
Drew, 55, spent the past three seasons as head coach of the Hawks. He led the franchise to the playoffs in each season with a vastly different roster. He had a 128-102 (.557) regular-season record and reached 100 wins the second-earliest among coaches in Hawks history (173 games). Only Lenny Wilkens (166) reached the mark in fewer games.
Drew ranks seventh on the franchise’s win list. He served as an assistant coach with the Hawks for six seasons before taking over as head coach.
The Bucks asked for permission to speak to Drew, although he was still under contract with the Hawks, while general manager Danny Ferry interviewed other candidates.
“There is not a sadness,” Drew told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in May. “This is a business. We left open that this could evolve back. If it doesn’t, I have to move on. That’s how this business works. I knew that. Nine years is a good run.”
Drew and Rockets assistant Kelvin Sampson were the finalists for the Bucks job.
Drew did not immediately return messages, but told the AJC last week that he was excited about getting a second interview with the Bucks. The Pistons also had an interest in speaking to Drew.
“I have to go on like I’m not going to be back. I have taken that approach from the very beginning. I’m going into this whole interview process with that in mind.
“This is what you hope for, that a team has an interest in you.”
In his initial interview with the Bucks, Drew spoke to Bucks owner Herb Kohl, Hammond, assistant general manager Jeff Weltman, director of scouting Billy McKinney and director of player personnel Dave Babcock.
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