Hornets coach Steve Clifford signs multi-year contract extension
Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford has signed a multi-year contract extension, the team announced Wednesday.
According to the Charlotte Observer, the extension includes a three-year guarantee, keeping Clifford in Charlotte through the 2018–19 season.
“We like what Coach Clifford and his staff have been doing,” said Hornets general manager Rich Cho in a statement. “He has done a really good job over the last two years. We want some continuity and we are excited to have him locked down to an extension. He is very organized and an extremely hard worker who has a great rapport with the players. We are extremely happy to have him here.”
“As much as anything, I’m excited about the extension because it’s what I wanted to have happen,” said Clifford. “I’m appreciative to [owner] Michael Jordan, [vice chairman] Curtis Polk and Rich Cho for the opportunity to see this thing through. I feel like we’ve made good strides since I’ve been here. I like our guys and I like the team that we can become. I like the people that I work for and from a personal standpoint I’m really happy.”
Clifford was hired by the Hornets in 2013, his first NBA head coaching job after a long career as an NBA scout and assistant coach. He worked for the New York Knicks, the Houston Rockets, the Orlando Magic, and the Los Angeles Lakers before coming to Charlotte. Clifford’s contract was set to expire after this season.
Clifford led the Hornets to the playoffs the year he was hired, and has the team off to a strong start this season. The Hornets are 10–7 and face the undefeated Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night.
- Xandria James and Jeremy Woo
