With the offseason officially beginning leaguewide in just weeks, head coaching searches for vacant positions will begin to really heat up as teams key in on their final few options.
For the Orlando Magic, change was desperately needed after finishing second to last in the East with a 25-57 record and it came once the team decided to fire head coach Frank Vogel. Now, the team has their eyes set on another option who was also just let go: former Charlotte Hornets coach Steve Clifford. According to NY Times’ Marc Stein, the Magic plan to interview the 56-year-old.
The Magic are interviewing former Hornets coach Steve Clifford this week, according to league sources. As it has throughout its coaching search, Orlando declined comment today
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 24, 2018
Though Steve Clifford was relieved of his coaching duties just a month and a half ago, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that another franchise is already showing serious interest in his services. In his five seasons with Charlotte, Clifford took the Hornets to the postseason on two separate occasions despite plenty of holes on the roster.
Along with Clifford, the Hornets also reportedly have interest in legendary Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo. Following from The Athletic’s Michael Scotto:
The Orlando Magic have expressed interest in Michigan State coach Tom Izzo for the team's head coaching position, league sources told The Athletic.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 24, 2018
Tom Izzo has been at the helm for Michigan State for over two decades now and has helped groom some of the best NBA prospects in recent years. While his player development skills are surely attractive to a team with a relatively young roster, it’s hard to see Izzo leaving a University he’s built a close bond with.
Either way, Frank Vogel compiled a paltry 54-110 record in his two years with Orlando and the team hopes a fresh start at the coaching ranks can turn their drawn-out rebuild around. Both Izzo and Clifford are certainly viable options but it remains to be seen whether they can secure either of them.
