Steve Clifford, Assistant Coach, Hired by Bobcats

January 4, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers trainer Gary Vitti, assistant Steve Clifford, head coach Mike D

After being the assistant coach for one season, Steve Clifford has been hired by the Charlotte Bobcats. Clifford will be replacing Mike Dunlap as the new head coach of the Bobcats. The contract is for three years and $6 million dollars with a third year team option according to reports.

Before his days with the Lakers, Clifford was a scout for one year with the Knicks only to move up to the assistant coaching position a year later. He spent two years as the Knicks assistant coach before being hired by the Houston Rockets where he spent four years as the assistant coach. Clifford was then with the Orlando Magic for five years (2007-12) as the assistant to Stan Van Gundy.

This might have a big impact on Dwight Howard because Steve Clifford was with Howard while he was in Orlando and the two had become close. It will be interesting to see if the hiring plays a part in Howard’s decision.

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