Ettore Messina Leaves Milan to Join Atlanta Hawks as Consultant

Ettore Messina has severed ties with Milan after years of serving as both head coach and basketball president, during which he repeatedly failed in the EuroLeague despite a massive budget and expensive player acquisitions. Instead of seeking his next European destination, Messina has chosen to return to America.

According to a report by the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Messina will serve as an external consultant to the coaching staff of the Atlanta Hawks. This marks his third time crossing the Atlantic to the United States, having previously worked as a consultant for the Los Angeles Lakers and as an assistant coach to Gregg Popovich with the San Antonio Spurs.

The connection with the Hawks is no coincidence. Head coach Quin Snyder served as Messina's assistant during his time at CSKA Moscow, and the two share a strong prior relationship. This role will allow Messina to remain involved in basketball without having to make direct executive decisions.

Messina, who will celebrate his 67th birthday at the end of the month, is one of Europe's most renowned coaches of recent decades. He has won the EuroLeague four times and has coached Virtus Bologna, CSKA Moscow, Real Madrid, and the Italian national team across two separate stints.