Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson turned down the Charlotte Hornets' vacant head coaching position and will remain with the defending champions, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Saturday.
Reports last week indicated that Atkinson was close to inking a four-year deal with Charlotte after meeting with team owner Michael Jordan and other executives earlier in June.
However, the former Brooklyn Nets bench boss opted to remain in Golden State just days after winning an NBA championship.
Atkinson will replace Mike Brown as head coach Steve Kerr's top assistant, Wojnarowski reports. Brown left Golden State to take over the Sacramento Kings' sideline.
Charlotte initially chose Atkinson over finalists Mike D'Antoni and Terry Stotts to replace James Borrego following his four seasons at the helm.
The Hornets will now have to restart the process of finding a replacement, joining the Utah Jazz as the only teams without a head coach.
