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[Saba Sports News] The Charlotte Hornets are on the lookout for a new head coach following Steve Clifford’s decision to step down at the end of the season. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Clifford announced his departure to players and assistant coaches on Wednesday, though he isn’t leaving the franchise entirely, as he’s set to take on a role in the front office.
Despite the Hornets’ willingness to retain him as head coach, the 62-year-old Clifford expressed a desire to move away from the daily demands of coaching. He shared his decision early with the hope that Charlotte can get ahead in the competition for top young assistant coaches across the league.
Wojnarowski has named several potential candidates the Hornets are expected to approach for the head coaching position. Clifford’s tenure in Charlotte marks his second, having previously led the team from 2013 to 2018 before a stint with the Orlando Magic, and then returning to the Hornets. Under his guidance, the Hornets reached the playoffs twice during his first tenure but were eliminated in the first round on both occasions.
The team did not make the playoffs last year and has been out of contention this year as well, holding a record of 18-57 as of Wednesday. Clifford’s departure signifies another significant change for Charlotte in recent months.