Charlotte Hornets‘ hunt for a new head coach has come to a conclusion thanks to an old and well-known face. According to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, Steve Clifford, the team’s head coach from 2013 to 2018, will be back.
In an unexpected turn of events, Marc Stein revealed on Thursday that Clifford was a viable contender to succeed James Borrego. After the team’s second straight loss in the play-in competition, the 44-year-old was sacked.
Clifford spoke with GM Mitch Kupchak and owner Michael Jordan earlier this week, according to Roderick Boone and Scott Fowler of The Charlotte Observer on Friday. Following Kenny Atkinson‘s decision to remain with the Golden State Warriors, Clifford was called to interview for the Charlotte position.
How Clifford fared in his first time with Hornets
As a coach, Clifford has a 196-214 overall record with the Hornets during his time in charge from 2013 to 2018. The Hornets have only made the playoffs twice since 2010 thanks to his leadership in both 2014 and 2016.
During his five seasons as a head coach, the 60-year-old also earned a 196-213 record. Then, Clifford served as the Orlando Magic’s head coach until 2021, leading the team to the playoffs twice.
