Larry Drew, staff reportedly exploring other coaching opportunities

Although Danny Ferry is not expected to make his decision on the future of Larry Drew and his coaching staff until at least the middle of the week that isn't stopping Drew and his staff from exploring other job opportunities. Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports reports that sources close to the coaching staff believe that there is a "slim chance" that they will be retained for next season.

The decision can't come soon enough for both parties as the Hawks need to waste no time in jumping into the market for head coaches. Likewise, Drew and the rest of his coaching staff also want to throw their names into the hats and join the coaching free agent pool.

Most outlets are reporting that Drew is likely gone and cite Ferry's insistence of changing the culture of the Atlanta Hawks. Drew has been the head coach for the last three seasons but also served on former coach Mike Woodson's staff. Many things have changed within the Hawks organization since Danny Ferry took over last summer and Drew's ouster would appear to be the next logical move.

There have been few rumors as to who Ferry might pursue to replace Drew but common assumption is that he would reach out to some of the people that he has worked with in the past. Names such as San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Mike Budenholzer and current Golden State Warriors assistant coach Mike Malone are two names that figure to be rumored as candidates.

Drew took the Hawks to the playoffs for three consecutive seasons and helped transition the team away from a heavy iso team to one of the league's leaders in assists. It will be interesting to see whether or not his name comes up as a potential hire for any of the other coaching vacancies around the league.