Fitzsimmons took the position and led the Suns to their first winning season, going 48–34 that season. The relationship between Colangelo and Fitzsimmons would be lengthy, as Fitzsimmons would serve the Suns in multiple capacities, including three tenures as head coach. Fitzsimmons worked with Colangelo without any discussion of compensation throughout their long tenure together. Atlanta Hawks (1972–1976) Fitzsimmons was released from the remaining two years of his Suns contract by Colangelo to allow him to accept a similar capacity with the Atlanta Hawks on May 31, 1972. He was 140–180 in four seasons, with one playoff appearance. He returned to Phoenix to reside in 1975, although he still coached the Hawks. According to Fitzsimmons, one of the main reasons he accepted a job as Hawks coach was the opportunity to coach Pete Maravich. The Hawks traded Maravich to the New Orleans Jazz in May, 1974 and Fitzsimmons was left with a young team and a rotating front office.“Presidents and GMs were flying out of here like paper clips.” he told Sports Illustrated. With the Hawks at 28–46 and mired in a ten-game losing streak, he was fired and assistant coach Bumper Tormohlen promoted to replace him on an interim basis on March 30, 1976. Golden State Warriors (1976–1977) On August 4, 1976, Fitzsimmons was hired as player personnel director for the Golden State Warriors, to replace the late Bob Feerick, working alongside Al Attles, who was Coach and General Manager. Attles said, 'I have a long-standing relation with Cotton and have always admired and respected him as a person, coach, and evaluator of talent," There, the team made a series of trades of veteran players to acquire future draft picks. Buffalo Braves (1977–1978) Fitzsimmons quickly returned to coaching, becoming head coach by the Buffalo Braves, hired by General Manager Norm Sonju on August 5, 1977. His one season as Braves head coach (27–55) was the team's last in Buffalo. The franchise moved to become the San Diego Clippers. The Braves changed owners and the team was moved and rebranded and Fitzsimmons reflected of his tenure jokingly, “I think Buffalo got a raw deal as far as the NBA,” he said years later. “I enjoyed everything Buffalo. What I feel bad about is the franchise … I guess I’ve got to take credit for folding the franchise.” Kansas City Kings (1978–1984) After he was released from the remaining two years