NBA Free Agency: Grading This Offseason's 9 Head Coach Hirings So Far

Orlando Magic - Steve Clifford to replace Frank Vogel

Orlando Magic Head Coach Steve Clifford Press Conference

Past experience: Clifford was the assistant coach for the New York Knicks from 2001 to 2003 under Jeff Van Gundy, assistant coach for the Rockets from 2003 to 2007, assistant coach for the Magic from 2007 to 2012 under Stan Van Gundy, assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers for 2012-2013 season, and head coach from 2013 to 2018.

How will he fit: Clifford has worked under both Van Gundy brothers and has developed a defensive reputation. He did lead the Bobcats/Hornets to the playoffs twice in his five-year span and finished with an overall record of 196-214. He did help develop Kemba Walker's game and is familiar with the rebuilding process.

The Magic have been a lottery team for the last few years and have struggled to develop their young guys. They need a change, and I don't know if Clifford will be the coach for that change, but he will be an improvement over Vogel.

Clifford has lots of experience in the coaching game, and hopefully, his experience will help him in Orlando. He hasn't experienced much success, but he has worked in Orlando before and is familiar with the fans and the franchise.

Grade: C+/ B-