In what can’t be considered too much of a surprise, the Charlotte Hornets fired head coach Steve Clifford on Friday following a disastrous 36-46 season for the team.
It’s now being reported that Charlotte has had its sights set on former Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale for some time. Not only that, Fizdale is seen as the favorite to land the Hornets’ head coaching job.
Before the Hornets announced Steve Clifford’s firing, they were already starting a background check on Dave Fizdale, the ex-Memphis Grizzlies head coach, per NBA sources. Seen as a leading candidate.
— Mitch Lawrence (@Mitch_Lawrence) April 13, 2018
Most of you will remember that Fizdale was unceremoniously ousted as head coach of the Grizzlies after just 19 games this past regular season. The firing didn’t sit well with some around the Association.
To most, it was seemingly all about general manager Chris Wallace finding that fall guy. A long time assistant head coach with the Miami Heat, Fizdale is widely respected around the NBA.
It will be interesting to see how quickly this situation unfolds. Fresh off hiring former Los Angeles Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak in the same role, Charlotte is changing its MO on the fly. Hiring Fizdale would be the latest representation of this.