Hornets Reportedly Making Huge Coaching Change

The Charlotte Hornets are making a massive coaching change at the end of the regular season as Steve Clifford reportedly informed his staff and players that he was stepping down as head coach.

Clifford is working to finalize a front office role to stay involved with the franchise though will end his tenure on the sidelines after two years.

Charlotte sits at 18-57 with seven games to play, trapped near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, though promising seasons from young players like Brandon Miller give the organization a foundation for future success.

Hornets News: Steve Clifford Stepping Down as Head Coach

Clifford has 10 years of head coaching experience, seven total with the Hornets, after spending 13 years as an assistant. He's a respected mind and his time with the team will help as he transitions into the front office as well.

The Hornets have a strong core, led by Miller and fellow high draft pick LaMelo Ball, but the team has struggled over the last two years after posting a 43-39 record in 2021-22. That's their only winning season since 2015-16 and it was clear changes need to be made, but there are quality pieces that can be part of a contender with the right surrounding talent.

Charlotte is expected to hone in on top assistants around the league in their search for a new coach, with Adrian Wojnarowski naming Sacramento’s Jordi Fernandez, Boston’s Charles Lee, Miami’s Chris Quinn, Phoenix’s Kevin Young as possible options.

After nearly a decade of mediocrity, here's hoping the Hornets get the decision right and start building a competitive team for the near future.

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