Steve Clifford and His Coaching Career
Steve Clifford is an American professional basketball coach and former college basketball player. He is currently the head coach for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association (NBA). As a coach, Clifford has gained a reputation for being an excellent tactician, teacher, and leader of men. He has an extensive coaching career, including stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Charlotte Bobcats, and Orlando Magic. Let’s take a look at where Clifford has coached over the years.
Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets (2013-2018)
In 2013, Clifford was hired as the head coach of the Charlotte Bobcats, now known as the Charlotte Hornets. During his five-year stint with the team, Clifford guided the Hornets to two playoff appearances. In the 2014-15 season, the Hornets won 48 games and earned the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. Clifford was named NBA Coach of the Year for his efforts.
Los Angeles Lakers (2012-2013)
Prior to joining the Hornets, Clifford was an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was part of the staff that led the team to the Pacific Division title in the 2012-13 season.
Houston Rockets (2011-2012)
Clifford spent one season as an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets in 2011-12. He was part of the staff that led the Rockets to a 34-32 record and a playoff berth.
Orlando Magic (2018-Present)
In 2018, Clifford was hired as the head coach of the Orlando Magic. In his first season with the team, Clifford led the Magic to a 42-40 record and a playoff berth.
College Basketball
Clifford’s coaching career began at the college level, where he served as an assistant coach at East Carolina University, the University of Maine, and Siena College.
High School Basketball
Before entering the college coaching ranks, Clifford was a head coach at the high school level. He spent two years at Delphi Academy in Maine and one year at Carmel High School in New York. Clifford led both teams to the state playoffs.
International Coaching Experience
Clifford has also gained international coaching experience. He spent five years as an assistant coach with the New York Knicks, where he helped the team reach the NBA Finals in 1999. Clifford was also an assistant coach with the Greek National Team from 2004-06, leading the team to a bronze medal at the 2005 FIBA European Championship.
A Career of Success
In his career, Clifford has proven to be a successful coach. He has had four separate head coaching jobs in the NBA, and all four teams have made the playoffs under his leadership. He has also had success at the college and high school levels. As a result, Clifford has established himself as one of the top coaches in the game.
The Future for Clifford
Clifford is currently in his second season with the Orlando Magic, and the team is off to a good start. With Clifford at the helm, the Magic look to be a competitive team in the Eastern Conference for years to come.
Conclusion
Steve Clifford is a highly respected basketball coach who has had a successful career at the NBA, college, and high school levels. He has coached the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets, and Orlando Magic, leading each of these teams to the playoffs. Clifford is currently in his second season with the Magic, and the team looks poised to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Steve Clifford has had an impressive coaching career that has taken him all around the world. He has gained experience at the NBA, college, and high school levels, leading teams to success wherever he goes. If the Magic continue to improve under Clifford’s leadership, then he could be in store for more accolades in the future.