CHARLOTTE, NC — The Charlotte Hornets are close to a deal with James Borrego to be their new head coach.
ESPN reports the current San Antonio Spurs assistant coach met with Charlotte owner Michael Jordan over the weekend. after advancing to the final group of interviews along with Boston Celtics assistant Jay Larranaga.
ESPN cites sources who say a formal agreement is expected to be reached later today.
He will replace Steve Clifford, who was dismissed after consecutive 36-46 seasons with the Hornets.
Borrego made a strong impression in his interview with Mitch Kupchak, the Hornets' new president of basketball operations and general manager. Kupchak became more intrigued once he started to canvass NBA executives, coaches and players who have worked with Borrego, sources told ESPN.
The Hornets also met with new Knicks coach David Fizdale, San Antonio assistants Ettore Messina and Ime Udoka, and Portland assistant David Vanterpool, according to ESPN.
Borrego has been an NBA assistant with the Spurs, New Orleans Pelicans and Orlando Magic. He went 10-20 as interim coach of the Magic to finish the 2014-15 season.
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