CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Hornets announced Friday that Steve Clifford has been relieved of his head coaching duties.
Clifford joined the Hornets prior to the 2013-14 season and led the team to a 196-214 regular season record. Charlotte qualified for the NBA playoffs twice under Clifford’s watch in 2013 and 2016.
“I want to thank Coach Clifford for his contributions to the Hornets,” said General Manager Mitch Kupchak. “I know he has worked incredibly hard on behalf of the organization and we wish him the best moving forward. The search for a new coach will begin immediately.”
The Hornets finished the 2017-18 season with a 36-46 record, seven games behind Washington for the final playoff spot in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.