Ettore Messina has emerged as a serious candidate to become the next head coach of the Atlanta Hawks.

Messina was born in Italy and is the current coach of CSKA Moscow. Messina is a four-time Euroleague championship coach and two-time Euroleague coach of the year. 

Messina was part of the Los Angeles Lakers' coaching staff during the 11-12 NBA season.

Messina left the NBA to take a $1 million-plus a year job with CSKA.

Danny Ferry recently scouted CSKA at last weekend's Euroleague Final Four.

Stan Van Gundy is also a candidate.