Public Radio for the Piedmont and High Country
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Charlotte Hornets Officially Name James Borrego As Head Coach

In this April 15, 2015 file photo, then-Orlando Magic interim head coach James Borrego shouts in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets. AP Photo/Kathy Willens

The Charlotte Hornets have officially named James Borrego as head coach. He will become the first Hispanic full-time head coach in NBA history.

The 40-year-old Borrego joins the Hornets after 15 seasons as an NBA assistant coach, including the last three with the San Antonio Spurs under Gregg Popovich. 

Borrego gained some head coaching experience when he served as the Orlando Magic's interim head coach at the end of the 2014-15 season.

The Hornets are in the midst of a major change in the organization.

General Manager Rich Cho was fired midway through last season and replaced by Mitch Kupchak. Kupchak dismissed Steve Clifford as head coach a few days later.

Under Clifford, the Hornets went to the playoffs just twice in five seasons and failed to win a playoff series.

Borrego has signed a four-year deal with Charlotte.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Support quality journalism, like the story above,
with your gift right now.

Donate