History of Kenny Atkinson in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 5, 2025

Kenny Atkinson is an American professional basketball coach, currently the head coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He previously served as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets from 2016 to 2020. Prior to coaching in the NBA, Atkinson played college basketball for the University of Richmond, where he helped lead the Spiders to the 1988 NCAA Division I tournament.

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Full Timeline

June 2, 1967: Kenneth Neil Atkinson Born

On June 2, 1967, Kenneth Neil Atkinson was born in Huntington, New York.

August 6, 2008: Joined New York Knicks Coaching Staff

On August 6, 2008, Kenny Atkinson joined the New York Knicks coaching staff as an assistant coach under Mike D'Antoni.

April 17, 2016: Named Head Coach of Brooklyn Nets

On April 17, 2016, Kenny Atkinson was announced as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets after the Atlanta Hawks' season ended.

October 26, 2016: NBA Head Coaching Debut

On October 26, 2016, Kenny Atkinson made his NBA head coaching debut, which resulted in a 122–117 loss to the Boston Celtics.

March 7, 2020: Stepped Down as Nets Head Coach

On March 7, 2020, Kenny Atkinson stepped down as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets.

November 16, 2020: Hired as Assistant Coach for Los Angeles Clippers

On November 16, 2020, Kenny Atkinson was hired as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers under head coach Tyronn Lue.

2020: Inducted into Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame

In 2020, Kenny Atkinson was inducted into the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame.

August 13, 2021: Hired as Golden State Warriors Assistant Coach

On August 13, 2021, Kenny Atkinson was hired as an assistant coach by the Golden State Warriors.

February 12, 2024: Coached Warriors to Victory Against Jazz

On February 12, 2024, Kenny Atkinson coached the Warriors to a 129–107 victory against the Utah Jazz while head coach Steve Kerr attended Dejan Milojević's funeral in Serbia.