Former Orlando Magic head coach Steve Clifford was hired by the Charlotte Hornets for the same position on Friday. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Hornets hiring Steve Clifford as head coach

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 6/24/22

The Charlotte Hornets have reportedly found a new head coach, finally.

According to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer, the Hornets have hired Steve Clifford, who coached in Charlotte from 2013-18.

The Charlotte Hornets are hiring Steve Clifford as their next head coach, sources said.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 24, 2022

Clifford, 60, has coached in the NBA since 2000. He began his coaching career as an assistant, spending time with the New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, and Los Angeles Lakers.

In 2013, Clifford received his first NBA head coaching gig, hired by the then Charlotte Bobcats. Clifford remained in Charlotte through the 2017-18 season, compiling a 196-214 record while leading the Bobcats/Hornets to two playoff appearances.

Clifford's most recent stop came with the Magic. Hired in 2018, Clifford coached in Orlando until the two sides agreed to mutually part ways after the 2020-21 season.

The Magic went 96-131 over three seasons under Clifford. Orlando made the postseason twice, going 2-8 over two first-round exits.

Clifford's hiring marks the end of Charlotte's search, which came with twists and turns.

The Hornets initially offered Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson the head coaching job. Ultimately, Atkinson decided to stay with the Warriors.

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