Steve Clifford Stepping Down as Hornets Coach, Expected to Transition to Front Office Role

After a successful tenure as head coach with the Charlotte Hornets, Steve Clifford has announced his decision to step down at the end of the current season. Despite being offered the opportunity to return next season, Clifford felt that he wasn't ready for the year-round commitment of coaching. The Hornets, under new leadership and with a promising young core of players led by Brandon Miller, are now gearing up for a coaching search to find Clifford's successor.

Clifford's departure marks the end of a challenging two-year stint plagued by injuries and setbacks for the Hornets. With a focus on developing their young talent and building a competitive team culture, Charlotte is set to embark on a thorough search for a new head coach. The franchise looks ahead to a future filled with potential, thanks to the emergence of star players like LaMelo Ball and a wealth of future first-round draft picks, as they navigate a changing landscape in the upcoming NBA offseason.