Report: Lakers Assistant Steve Clifford will become head coach of Charlotte Bobcats
After the Charlotte Bobcats unjustifiably fired former head coach Mike Dunlap, as he was not able to live up to the expectations of his Airness, the Bobcats soon to be Charlotte Hornets were in dire need of a new head coach. While it looked like Los Angeles Lakers assistant, Steve Clifford, would most likely take a job with the Milwaukee Bucks, it appears the former assistant coach would get his first head coaching gib in Charlotte.
Lakers assistant Steve Clifford has reached an agreement in principle to become the Charlotte coach, league sources tell Y! Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 27, 2013
According to Sam Amick of USA Today Sports, both parties agreed on a two-year deal with a team option for a third year. If he is there for all three years, then it’s a $6 million deal.
With Clifford out of running in Milwaukee, the Bucks search will focus on Larry Drew and Kelvin Sampson. Each has 2nd interviews this week.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 27, 2013
While he was finalist for the head coaching job for the Milwaukee Bucks, Clifford was also scheduled to have an interview with the Phoenix Suns.
Clifford has a strong resumé, holding many coaching gigs with teams around the league such as the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic. The Van Gundy Brothers also considered Clifford as a strong head coaching candidate. Clifford was also an assistant coach with current Chicago Bulls’ head coach Tom Thibodeau during their tenure with the Houston Rockets and the Knicks.
Clifford is also expected to hire Patrick Ewing as his lead assistant coach, reports Wojnarowski
Yahoo! Sports first reported Clifford was going to be hired.