16 Facts About Steve Clifford

Steven Gerald Clifford was born on September 17,1961 and is an American basketball coach who is the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Association.

Steve Clifford previously served as the head coach of the Orlando Magic.

Steve Clifford played varsity basketball under Gerald Clifford, his father and head coach at North Country Union High School in Newport, Vermont.

Steve Clifford attended the University of Maine at Farmington, where he played college basketball for four years.

Steve Clifford gained his first coaching experience at the school, serving as their head coach for two seasons while leading them to two tournaments.

Steve Clifford then served as an assistant coach at St Anselm College, Fairfield University, Boston University and Siena College.

Steve Clifford was the first coach in the school's history with back-to-back 20-plus win seasons.

Steve Clifford became an NBA assistant coach with the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets under Jeff Van Gundy and quickly developed a reputation as a defensive expert.

Steve Clifford then was an assistant for Stan Van Gundy with the Orlando Magic.

Steve Clifford considers both the Van Gundy brothers as mentors.

Steve Clifford reached the NBA Playoffs in each of his five seasons with Orlando, appearing in the NBA Finals in 2009.

On May 29,2013, Steve Clifford was hired by the Charlotte Bobcats to be their head coach.

Steve Clifford implemented a defensive mentality in Charlotte during his first year as head coach turning the Charlotte Bobcats into a top five defensive team when in the years prior to his tenure they ranked near the bottom of the NBA in that category.

Steve Clifford finished fourth in Coach of the Year voting in his first year.

On January 11,2018, the Hornets announced that Steve Clifford was medically cleared to return to coaching after a 21-game absence after dealing with sleep deprivation.

On May 30,2018, Steve Clifford was named the head coach of the Orlando Magic.