Former Orlando Magic head coach Steve Clifford was hired by the Charlotte Hornets in the same position on Friday. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Hornets reportedly bring back Steve Clifford as new head coach

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 6/24/22

The Charlotte Hornets are ending their bizarre coaching search by turning back to someone they know well to take the team forward.

The Hornets have agreed to a deal with former coach Steve Clifford, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Clifford returns to the organization four years after he was fired.

ESPN Sources: Steve Clifford has agreed to a deal to return as the Charlotte Hornets’ coach. Clifford, one of league’s most respected coaches among his peers, led Hornets to two playoff trips in a five-year run that ended in 2018.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 24, 2022

Clifford coached the Hornets from 2013-18. He then moved to the Orlando Magic after his firing, where he spent three seasons. The Hornets ultimately replaced Clifford with James Borrego, who they fired earlier in the offseason.

The Hornets had originally settled on Kenny Atkinson to replace Borrego, but that deal fell through. It seemed logical that the Hornets would pivot to the initial runner-up for the job, but for whatever reason, they decided on Clifford instead.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: