Charlotte – Since the firing of Larry Brown in 2010, the Hornets have yet to hire a coach with previous head coaching experience. At times, this experiment has worked. Recently dismissed head coach Steve Clifford was hired by the Hornets in his first lead job in 2013. Clifford compiled a record of 196-214 while leading the team to two post-season appearances and the city’s first NBA playoff win since May 9, 2002.
Other times, the experiment has backfired. In 2007, Sam Vincent was a lead assistant with the then Western Conference Champion Dallas Mavericks before taking his first head coaching job with the then Bobcats now Hornets. He was let go after one season finishing with a record of 32-50. In 2012, Mike Dunlap became a head coach for the first time in his career when he inherited a rebuilding Hornets team. After finishing the season 21-60, he too was let go after one season.
Though he is not the sexy hire Hornets fans may have wanted, Barrego was apparently on the radar of several teams in the NBA after reportedly having interviews with the New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, and a perennial playoff team in the Milwaukee Bucks before accepting the Hornets position.
Borrego brings experience in something the Hornets desperately need going into the 2018-2019 season; stability. San Antonio holds the title as arguably the most stable franchise over the last two decades, while the Hornets have struggled to gain traction on its direction. Borrego and new General Manager Mitch Kupchak will now be in charge of rebuilding the team to fit their mold. If they can build a solid plan, the Hornets may have found their coach and GM tandem of the future.
