Stackhouse, Lakers' Ott to Interview for Hornets HC Job

The Charlotte Hornets are actively conducting preliminary interviews to fill their head coaching vacancy, with a diverse range of candidates under consideration. Among these potential hires are Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Jordan Ott and former Vanderbilt head coach Jerry Stackhouse, as reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Additionally, the Hornets are exploring several other options for their coaching position. This includes Denver Nuggets assistant coach David Adelman, Boston Celtics assistant coach Charles Lee, Sacramento Kings associate head coach Jordi Fernandez, Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Jay Larranaga, Phoenix Suns associate head coach Kevin Young, and NBA G League head coach Lindsey Harding, according to Wojnarowski's report.

Furthermore, the Hornets are also engaging in discussions with Houston Rockets assistant coach Royal Ivey, according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.


The search for a new head coach comes after the departure of Steve Clifford, who helmed the Hornets for the past two seasons during his second tenure in Charlotte.

Jerry Stackhouse, who previously coached Vanderbilt for five seasons, is one of the candidates being considered. Stackhouse was relieved of his duties in March following Vanderbilt's 9-23 season. During his tenure at Vanderbilt, which spanned from 2019 to 2024, Stackhouse amassed a record of 70 wins and 92 losses. Prior to his stint at Vanderbilt, Stackhouse served as an assistant coach for both the Toronto Raptors and the Memphis Grizzlies, in addition to his role as head coach of Raptors 905 in the G League.

Stackhouse's departure from Vanderbilt involved a buyout of over $15 million, reflecting the financial implications of the move, as reported by CBS Sports' Matt Norlander. Stackhouse cited challenges in recruiting and retaining players, attributing these difficulties to Vanderbilt's struggles in competing with other SEC schools in terms of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, as noted by Dushawn London of 247Sports.

On the other hand, Jordan Ott, currently in his second season as an assistant coach with the Lakers, is another prominent candidate for the Hornets' coaching position. Ott brings a wealth of experience to the table, having previously served as an assistant coach for six seasons with the Brooklyn Nets. Additionally, Ott had a brief stint as the head coach of the Lakers' Summer League team in 2022.

Both Ott and Stackhouse are part of a lengthy list of candidates being evaluated by Hornets general manager Jeff Peterson as he seeks to find the ideal candidate to lead the team forward. With the Hornets in the midst of a rebuilding phase, the decision regarding their next head coach holds significant importance for the organization's future direction.

Source RealGM : Hornets Interviewing Jerry Stackhouse, Jordan Ott For Coach Opening
Source Bleacher Report : NBA Rumors: Jerry Stackhouse, Lakers' Jordan Ott to Interview for Hornets HC Job