McMillan Only Reluctantly Agreed To Be Atlanta Hawks’ Interim Coach

Even as others saw Nate McMillan, shown Feb. 17, as the logical successor for Lloyd Pierce, he had other ideas. He didn’t expect Pierce to be fired and wasn’t ready to take over the Hawks.

Charles Krupa / Associated Press file

Nate McMillan reluctantly agreed to serve as the Atlanta Hawks’ interim coach and only accepted the position after conferring with Lloyd Pierce following Pierce’s firing Monday.

Even then, McMillan didn’t rest easy. He immediately felt the burden of his increased responsibility.

“The sleepless nights have already started,” McMillan said Tuesday. “I didn’t get a wink of sleep last night.”