Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford has reportedly informed his team that he will step down as head coach.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the veteran coach is hoping to move into a front office role with the franchise. The organization was apparently “open” to bringing him back next season but Clifford was not prepared to commit to coaching for the entire season.
Woj added that Clifford will finish the remainder of the season as head coach of Charlotte and the front office will immediately begin its search for his successor. Some of the top candidates will include a few of the top assistant coaches around the league.
This is a solid gig with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller as building blocks and a few other interesting young pieces on the roster. Charlotte, however, will need someone who has the patience to let these players develop.
Based on the reporting and what we know about the coaching search, led by new Hornets new executive vice president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson, here is an updated list of the top candidates:
1
Charles Lee
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:
Boston Celtics, Assistant (2023 – Present)
Milwaukee Bucks, Assistant (2018 – 2023)
Atlanta Hawks, Assistant (2014 – 2018)
2
Chris Quinn
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:
Miami Heat, Assistant (2014 – Present)
Northwestern Men’s Basketball, NCAA Assistant (2013 – 2014)
3
David Adelman
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:
Denver Nuggets, Assistant (2017 – Present)
Orlando Magic, Assistant (2016 – 2017)
Minnesota Timberwolves, Player Development/Assistant (2011 – 2015)
4
Lamar Skeeter
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:
Utah Jazz, Assistant (2015 – Present)
5
Sean Sweeney
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:
Dallas Mavericks, Assistant (2021 – Present)
Detroit Pistons, Assistant (2018 – 2020)
Milwaukee Bucks, Assistant (2014 – 2017)
Brooklyn Nets, Assistant (2013 – 2014)
6
Royal Ivey
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:
Houston Rockets, Assistant (2023 – Present)
South Sudan Men’s Basketball, Head Coach (2021 – Present)
Brooklyn Nets, Assistant (2020 – 2023)
New York Knicks, Assistant (2018 – 2020)
Oklahoma City Thunder, Assistant (2016 – 2018)
Oklahoma City Thunder, G League Assistant (2014 – 2016)
7
Jordan Ott
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:
Los Angeles Lakers, Assistant (2022 – Present)
Brooklyn Nets, Assistant/Scout (2016 – 2022)
Atlanta Hawks, Assistant/Video Coordinator (2013 – 2016)
8
Jerry Stackhouse
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:
Vanderbilt Men’s Basketball, NCAA Head Coach (2019 – 2024)
Memphis Grizzlies, Assistant (2018 – 2019)
Toronto Raptors, G League Head Coach (2016 – 2018)
Toronto Raptors, Assistant (2015 – 2016)
9
Jay Larranaga
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:
L.A. Clippers, Assistant (2021 – Present)
Boston Celtics, Assistant (2012 – 2021)
Erie BayHawks, G League Head Coach (2010 – 2012)
Ireland Men’s Basketball, Head Coach (2008 – 2010)
10
Lindsey Harding
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:
Sacramento Kings, G League Head Coach (2023 – Present)
Mexico Women’s Basketball, Head Coach (2022 – Present)
Sacramento Kings, Assistant Coach (2019 – 2023)
