Charlotte’s search for a head coach has ended with a familiar after Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the franchise had brought Steve Clifford to man the Hornets’ sideline.
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 led Charlotte to a 196-214 record during his five-season tenure and two playoff trips from 2013-2018. Clifford previously served as an assistant with the Hornets, Magic, Lakers, Knicks, and Rockets. He will replace James Borrego, who was let go by the franchise after four seasons and a 138-163 record that failed to lead to a postseason appearance.
The Hornets are looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. The franchise is yet to make it past the semifinals since 2002.
