Hornets coach Steve Clifford will leave the team “for the immediate future” because of health concerns, the team announced this morning on its website. Associate head coach Stephen Silas will be the acting head coach while Clifford is out.
The team didn’t elaborate on the coach’s condition “out of respect for Clifford’s privacy.”
This is Clifford’s fifth season as Charlotte’s coach after spending 13 years as an NBA assistant. The 56-year-old has compiled a 169-181 record, including 9-13 this season, with two playoff appearances.
Silas, 44, is in his 18th year as an assistant. He started in the NBA as a scout with the Hornets in 1999 and rejoined the organization as a coach during the 2010/11 season.
I know his record doesn’t show it but Cliff is a great coach! He has the respect of his players and they go out and play hard for him every night. Here’s to a speedy recovery.
Here’s hoping for a quick recovery, Coach Cliff!