Steve Clifford ends Hornets coaching tenure as winningest coach in franchise history

CLEVELAND (AP) — Steve Clifford ended his Charlotte coaching tenure on Sunday as the winningest coach in franchise history.

Clifford expects to remain with the franchise as an advisor. He announced in early April this season would be his last, saying the grind of 82 games has become too much for him at 62 years old.

“I’m really proud of all of our guys, but tomorrow, for sure, I’ll reflect back on everything,” he said, breaking into a sly smile after his team beat the playoff-bound Cleveland Cavaliers 120-110. “And I am hopeful that the fingerprint reader still works and lets me in the building.”

Clifford has spent seven total seasons with the Hornets, including the past two, and is their leader in games coached (574) and wins (244).

Clifford’s next role has yet to be defined by new general manager Jeff Peterson, but he is eager to help Charlotte build off an injury-plagued season that saw it post the third-worst record in the East at 21-61.