Fri Jun 13 12:42:57 2008

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Woodson to remain with Hawks

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Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - The Atlanta Hawks, fresh off their first playoff appearance since 1999, have signed head coach Mike Woodson to a new contract.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported it to be a two-year deal. Woodson's original contract was set to expire at the end of June.

"We are happy to have reached agreement with Mike on a new deal that signals his return to the Hawks bench," said new general manager Rick Sund. "Even though I came to my new position after their exciting playoff run, I have spent a great deal of time familiarizing myself with Mike's philosophy, direction and strategies since taking the job, and I'm comfortable he will help this team reach its potential and build upon the success they enjoyed this past season."

Woodson has a record of just 106-222 in his four years at the helm, but the Hawks have improved each of the past three seasons after a dismal 13-69 mark in the coach's first campaign. Atlanta won 26 games in Woodson's second season, then posted 30 victories in 2006-07 before this year's 37-45 mark.

"I want to thank Rick for this opportunity, and to express my gratitude to the fans for the unbelievable support they've shown during my time here," Woodson stated. "I've watched these players grow individually and collectively, and am excited to continue coaching them and building on the momentum from last season. The playoff experience we had was invaluable as we look to reach the next level as a team."

The Hawks, as the Eastern Conference's eighth seed, surprisingly pushed the Boston Celtics to seven games in the first round of playoffs.