Kenny Atkinson is expected to remain the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers next season, according to ESPN sources, despite the team’s disappointing playoff exit against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Cleveland hired Atkinson during the 2024 offseason after moving on from J.B. Bickerstaff, and the organization is reportedly staying committed to him moving forward.
Atkinson is believed to have maintained strong support from key stars Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, both of whom backed his return for another season on the sidelines.
Although the Cavaliers reached the conference finals, the series ended in a sweep at the hands of New York, increasing scrutiny around the team’s long-term direction.
ESPN also reported that not everyone within Cleveland’s front office was fully aligned on hiring Atkinson originally, as some executives reportedly favored James Borrego for the position.
Even with Atkinson staying in place, the Cavaliers are expected to remain aggressive and flexible this offseason as they search for roster improvements and potential upgrades around their core.
Kenny Atkinson Retained By Cavaliers As Head Coach https://t.co/pK5L7nuwd9
— RealGM (@RealGM) May 26, 2026
