Steve Clifford, the Charlotte Hornets coach, is set to conclude his coaching tenure with the team at the end of the season.

The Hornets disclosed that Clifford will help the team for their final seven games, starting with Wednesday's match against the Portland Trail Blazers, ESPN reports.

According to sources, Clifford relayed the news to his assistants and players on Wednesday morning.

Despite the openness of the team's executive vice president of basketball operations, Jeff Peterson, and co-owners Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin to retain Clifford as coach for the next season, the 62-year-old coach made the decision not to commit to the demanding year-round responsibilities of head coaching for the 2024-2025 season.

Clifford's departure is aimed at facilitating the Hornets' pursuit of top coaching talent in the market, allowing them to initiate the search for his successor promptly.

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Transition Opens Coaching Search

Steve Clifford's decision not to continue as head coach enables the Charlotte Hornets to initiate their quest for a new leader in advance, Bleacher Report noted.

This strategic move positions the Hornets to compete effectively for top coaching prospects in a competitive market.

Notably, other NBA teams, such as the Washington Wizards and the Brooklyn Nets, currently led by interim head coaches, are also anticipated to seek new coaching personnel during the offseason.

Among the potential candidates for the Hornets' coaching role, several assistant coaches from various NBA teams have been identified, including Sacramento's Jordi Fernandez,

Boston's Charles Lee, Miami's Chris Quinn, and Phoenix's Kevin Young, among others.

Steve Clifford, who previously Hornets coach from 2013 to 2018 before returning for the 2022-2023 season, leaves behind a team that faced challenges in achieving desired performance levels, exacerbated by injuries to key players such as star point guard LaMelo Ball, who was sidelined for the season due to an ankle injury after appearing in only 22 games.

Prospective Candidates for Coaching Role

As the Charlotte Hornets embark on their search for a new head Hornets coach, the team is poised to consider a diverse array of potential candidates to fill the vacancy left by Steve Clifford, according to The Charlotte Observer.

Among the contenders is an assistant coach from the Sacramento Kings, Jordi Fernandez, known for his contributions to the team's coaching staff.

Additionally, Boston Celtics' assistant coach Charles Lee emerges as a compelling prospect, given his prior interactions with key figures within the Hornets organization and his extensive experience both as a player and a coach.

Miami Heat's Chris Quinn, renowned for his role in player development within the organization, presents another intriguing option for the Hornets.

Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Sean Sweeney brings with him a wealth of experience, particularly in defensive strategies, garnered from his tenure with multiple NBA teams.

Lastly, Will Weaver, affiliated with the Brooklyn Nets, offers a blend of NBA and G League coaching experience, making him a formidable contender for the Hornets' coaching role.

As the Hornets embark on this pivotal transition, they remain committed to securing a coach who will steer the team toward success in the upcoming seasons.

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Written by: Ross Key

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