NBA Rumors: Steve Clifford, Mike Budenholzer, More Linked to Bucks HC Search

The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly considering several former NBA head coaches as candidates to replace interim head coach Joe Prunty.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Bucks plan to interview Steve Clifford and Mike Budenholzer, who previously held the top jobs with the Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta Hawks, respectively. Additionally, former Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale, former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt and former New Orleans Pelicans head coach Monty Williams are said to be targets.

Milwaukee fired Jason Kidd as head coach after a 23-22 start this season before Prunty led it to a 21-16 record down the stretch.

The seventh-seeded Bucks also pushed the No. 2 Boston Celtics to seven games in the first round of the playoffs before getting eliminated.

Milwaukee's reported list of candidates features coaches who have experienced varying degrees of success in the NBA.

Clifford was fired by the Hornets in April after going 196-214 with two playoff appearances in five seasons.

Budenholzer went 213-197 with four playoff appearances in five seasons with the Hawks, but his record is somewhat skewed since Atlanta went 24-58 this season with a stripped-down roster.

After going 43-39 in his first season with the Grizzlies and reaching the playoffs in 2016-17, Fizdale was fired by Memphis after a 7-12 start this season.

Blatt went 53-29 and led the Cavs to the NBA Finals in 2014-15, but he was fired after a 30-11 start in 2015-16, which led to Tyronn Lue taking over and leading Cleveland to its first championship.

Williams went 173-221 during a five-year stint in New Orleans with two trips to the playoffs.

The Bucks have arguably the most appealing position available due to the presence of superstar and future MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Milwaukee also has a host of other talented players, such as Eric Bledsoe, Khris Middleton, Malcolm Brogdon, Jabari Parker and Thon Maker.

With the right head coach in place, the Bucks have the pieces needed to be a force in the Eastern Conference next season and beyond.