NBA coaching market starting to take shape for offseason WPXI [Video]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The red swarming Steve Clifford’s eyes betrayed his calm exterior as the Hornets’ 62-year-old head coach explained his decision Wednesday afternoon to step down at season’s end. “This has been going on for weeks as we’ve discussed things,” Clifford told the assembled media at Spectrum Center. “I just don’t see myself in these next few months having the right energy level. I’m just like you. Your best days start when you feel good. Driving in, if you’re feeling not at your best, you’re not going to have a great day. You’ve got to get up. And one thing about this is that you’re dealing with the best players in the world, and the motivation starts with yourself every day.”

Clifford had already gathered his assistants early that morning to reveal the news, league sources told Yahoo Sports, and then needed to collect himself before addressing the …