STEVE CLIFFORD
CHARLOTTE HORNETS HEAD COACH
Steve Clifford is the Head Coach of the Charlotte Hornets. On June 24, 2022, Clifford returned to the Charlotte Hornets for his second stint as Head Coach and as the 12th Head Coach* in Hornets history.
As a Head Coach in the NBA (Charlotte & Orlando) Clifford as led his teams to four playoff appearances. In Coach Steve Clifford’s first season as a Head Coach with the Orlando Magic, he led to the team to a 43-39 season and the team’s first playoff appearance in five years. Coach Clifford was also an Assistant Coach for the Los Angeles Lakers (2012-2013), Orlando Magic (2007-2012), Houston Rockets (2003-2007), and New York Knicks (2001-2003).
Steve Clifford was born on September 17, 1961, in Island Falls, Maine. Clifford attended North Country Union High School and played for and graduated from the University of Maine- Farmington, where he received his degree in special education. After graduating from college, Clifford became a teacher at Woodland High School in Maine. Coach Clifford also held an 86-36 overall record as a collegiate Head Coach (Adelphi University).
*Inclusive of Full-Time and Interim Head Coaches