Charlotte Hornets Hire New Head Coach

You know that saying—'Everything old is new again'. That's officially the case for the Charlotte Hornets, as they've reached into their not-too-distant past to find their new (old) head coach. The Hornets have hired Steve Clifford to re-join the franchise and run the bench. 

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 the Hornets to two playoff appearances in his five-year run from 2013-2018, and is, as the team's news release states, their "second-winningest coach in franchise history." Do keep in mind, as well, that his record in his first go-round with Charlotte was 196-214. 

After his stint with the Hornets, Clifford went on to coach the Orlando Magic from 2018-2021. Overall, he has 20 years of coaching experience in the NBA. And it's his commitment to stopping the opposition from scoring that's always been his hallmark. 

Tell you what, Steve Clifford is one of like four people in the entire building that cares about defense. Worth something, at least

— Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) June 24, 2022

 “I’m happy to be returning to Charlotte, and I want to thank Michael Jordan, Mitch Kupchak and Buzz Peterson for this opportunity,” said Clifford. “This is an exciting young team with a lot of talented pieces. Charlotte is a great city and I know first-hand the passion that Hornets fans have for this franchise. I can’t wait to get back to town and start working with our players.”

Photo Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports