Source: Bobcats Name Lakers Assistant Steve Clifford Head Coach
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Ronald Martinez/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Another vacant NBA head coaching position has been filled.
According to a source, Los Angeles Lakers assistant Steve Clifford has been hired as the new head coach of the Charlotte Bobcats.
Clifford’s contract with the team is for three years and $6 million, with a team option for the third year.
“He’s a brilliant basketball coach who relates to all kinds of people well and I think he will do an absolutely fantastic job with the talent at hand,” ESPN NBA broadcaster Jeff Van Gundy said. “I’m so happy for one of the good guys in the league to get this opportunity.”
Clifford was an assistant coach with the Orlando Magic before following Dwight Howard to Los Angeles after Howard was traded to the Lakers last summer. Lakers head coach Mike D’Antoni chose to retain Clifford after the season because of his relationship with Howard, but the organization gave him permission to interview for other coaching positions around the league.
The Bobcats fired coach Mike Dunlap after just one disappointing season, where the team finished with a 21-61 record.
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