Bobcats hire Steve Clifford, the 6th different head coach to lead team since 2006-07 season
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - In this Nov. 9, 2012 file photo, Los Angeles Lakers interim head coach Bernie Bickerstaff, second from right, looks on along with assistant coaches Steve Clifford, left, Chuck Person, second from left, and Eddie Jordan, right, during the first half of their NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles. Michael Jordan felt he needed a head coach with a little more NBA experience this time around to improve his struggling Charlotte Bobcats. The former NBA superstar and current owner believes he's found one in Steve Clifford. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File) (The Associated Press)
The Charlotte Bobcats have hired longtime NBA assistant coach Steve Clifford as their new head coach.
Clifford was introduced at a press conference Wednesday.
An assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers last season, Clifford becomes the Bobcats' sixth different coach since the 2006-07 season.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}He spent five seasons (2007-12) working as an assistant under Stan Van Gundy in Orlando. He was also as an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets for four years and with the New York Knicks for three.
This will be his first NBA head coaching job.
Clifford has a monumental task ahead of him. He'll try to turn the Bobcats into a winner, but Charlotte is a combined 28-120 over the past two seasons.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}He replaces Mike Dunlap, who was fired after just one season.