HoopsHype.com Rumors

Charles F. Gardner: Interviews on schedule Wednesday as #Bucks will have second sessions with Rockets assistant Kelvin Sampson and Hawks coach Larry Drew. Twitter @cf_gardner

Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, Coaching, Larry Drew, Kelvin Sampson 

Charles F. Gardner: Atlanta coach Larry Drew and Houston assistant Kelvin Sampson have 2nd interviews with #Bucks this week. Twitter @cf_gardner

Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, Coaching, Larry Drew, Kelvin Sampson 

Chris Vivlamore: Larry Drew has not had contact with Hawks since just before first interview with Bucks. Proceeding as if he will not be back. #ATLHawks Twitter @ajchawks

Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Coaching, Larry Drew 

The Milwaukee Bucks are bringing back three candidates to interview a second time for the franchise's head coaching job, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Atlanta Hawks coach Larry Drew, Houston Rockets assistant Kelvin Sampson and Los Angeles Lakers assistant Steve Clifford will meet with Bucks officials this week in Milwaukee, sources said. Yahoo! Sports

Milwaukee Bucks, Coaching, Larry Drew, Kelvin Sampson, Steve Clifford 

Clifford will visit Milwaukee again on Tuesday, and Sampson and Drew on Wednesday, league sources said. Bucks general manager John Hammond has a stronger history with Sampson – who spent two years on the Milwaukee staff under Scott Skiles – but has been increasingly impressed with the possibilities with Clifford, sources said. Clifford has come strongly recommended by three former coaching colleagues that Hammond respects – Chicago's Tom Thibodeau and Stan and Jeff Van Gundy. Yahoo! Sports

Milwaukee Bucks, Coaching, Larry Drew, Kelvin Sampson, Steve Clifford 

Charles F. Gardner: A league source confirms #Bucks will hold second interviews with Steve Clifford, Kelvin Sampson and Larry Drew this week. Twitter @cf_gardner

Milwaukee Bucks, Coaching, Larry Drew, Kelvin Sampson, Steve Clifford 

ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy also is said to be a candidate. Atlanta Coach Larry Drew, whose job status with the Hawks remains uncertain, is interested in the Clippers’ job, several executives said. Los Angeles Times

Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, Coaching, Jeff Van Gundy, Larry Drew 

And what of the head-coaching position? The hot names that are out there have been said over and over and over again - from Mike Malone to Fred Hoiberg to Kelvin Sampson to Nate McMillan to Larry Drew to Michael Curry and everyone in between. Said yet another league executive: "I hear the coaching search isn't at the top of their list right now. I hear they're concentrating on other areas and will address the coaching vacancy after a couple of weeks." Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Coaching, Nate McMillan, Larry Drew, Kelvin Sampson, Mike Malone, Michael Curry, Fred Hoiberg 

But at the end of the season Ferry took a different approach by keeping Drew under contract for the time being and allowing him to pursue other jobs. "It's very awkward but I appreciate that he (Ferry) was honest with me and that he allowed me to talk to other teams," Drew said. "It possibly may circle back to me. "But I want to explore my options as well. . . . I'm grateful for the opportunity to coach here in Atlanta. But if not, I want to continue coaching. I love coaching and I love dealing with players. "If it doesn't work out (in Atlanta), I'm not going to be bitter or angry." Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Atlanta Hawks, Coaching, Larry Drew 

Drew has been with the Hawks for the last nine seasons, six as an assistant under Mike Woodson before getting the top job. Drew said he is very familiar with the Bucks' personnel and the free-agency situation affecting the team's backcourt this summer. The Hawks swept all four games from the Bucks this season, including three games decided by five points or fewer. "We certainly had some battles," Drew said. "We knew they were going to be grind-out games and we were able to make some plays to come out with wins." Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Mike Woodson, Coaching, Larry Drew 

Larry Drew is preparing to part ways with the Hawks and will interview for the head coach position with the Bucks Monday. Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Coaching, Larry Drew 

Drew told the Atlanta Journal Constitution Friday that in a meeting with general manager Danny Ferry earlier this week the two came to an amicable agreement to allow the coach to interview for other vacant positions in the league. The Bucks called Ferry about speaking with Drew, who is still under contract until June 30, and they were granted permission. “I’ve moved on from the situation,” Drew told the AJC. “We had a very professional talk just trying to get things in order since I’m still under contract.” Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Coaching, Larry Drew 

The door is not completely closed on Drew returning to coach the Hawks were he spent the past nine years, the last three as head coach. “There is not a sadness,” Drew said. “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. There is a business side to this profession.” Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta Hawks, Coaching, Larry Drew 

Atlanta Hawks general manager Danny Ferry is giving significant consideration to hiring the first European-born head coach in NBA history, sources told Yahoo! Sports. Ettore Messina, the Italian-born coach of CSKA Moscow, is among the top candidates to replace coach Larry Drew. Ferry and Messina have had contact about the possibility, and Messina is intrigued with the chance to be a global trail blazer in the NBA, sources told Y! Sports. Yahoo! Sports

Atlanta Hawks, Coaching, Danny Ferry, Russia, Larry Drew, Ettore Messina, CSKA Moscow 

The Hawks have interviewed Stan Van Gundy and Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer for their yet-to-be vacant head coach position. Each has previously been described as a candidate for the position held by Larry Drew until June 30 when his contract expires. However the AJC has learned that Van Gundy and Budenholzer have been interviewed by general manager Danny Ferry. Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs, Coaching, Danny Ferry, Stan Van Gundy, Larry Drew, Mike Budenholzer 

Atlanta general manager Danny Ferry is going through the unorthodox process of conducting a coaching search while his current coach, Larry Drew, remains under contract until June 30. Yahoo! Sports

Atlanta Hawks, Coaching, Danny Ferry, Larry Drew 

Ferry has repeatedly praised the job Drew did while leading a team that had numerous players with expiring contracts. Despite the uncertainty, the Hawks made their sixth straight playoff appearance, though they were knocked out in the first round by the Indiana Pacers. That said, Ferry wants to make sure he's got the right guy on the sideline with massive roster changes looming this summer. "I have great appreciation and respect for Larry and how he led our team this season," Ferry said in a statement. "At the same time, it is my responsibility and in the best interests of the Hawks organization to consider all our options, and talk with other potential head coaches, before making a decision about who will lead our basketball team." NBA.com

Atlanta Hawks, Coaching, Larry Drew 

The Atlanta Hawks are taking an unconventional approach with their head coaching position. Current coach Larry Drew’s contract is up on June 30 and he and team general manager Danny Ferry have held several meetings this week concerning the future. But with the market for coaches wide open, both sides appear to be hedging their bets. The Hawks have informed Drew that they intend to talk to other candidates about the job. They have also given Drew the freedom to talk to other teams about jobs. ESPN.com

Atlanta Hawks, Coaching, Danny Ferry, Larry Drew 

Drew remains open to returning to the team but might draw interest elsewhere with so many jobs open. The Hawks will talk to others but could end up offering Drew a new contract. This is not the way coaching situations usually play out but this year's market is dictating some new approaches. ESPN.com

Atlanta Hawks, Coaching, Larry Drew 

Larry Drew, who coached the team the past three seasons and whose contract expires June 30, remains a candidate for the position. He has been informed of the organization’s plans to seek outside opinion. "I have great appreciation and respect for Larry and how he led our team this season," Ferry told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "At the same time, it is my responsibility and in the best interests of the Hawks organization to consider all of our options, and talk with other potential head coaches before making a decision about who will lead our basketball team. Larry and I have had open communication about this approach. If Larry and I continue to work together, we ultimately will be a stronger organization because of our discussions and this thorough process." Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta Hawks, Coaching, Danny Ferry, Larry Drew