Steve Clifford To Coach Bobcats

Looks like Maine native Steve Clifford will finally get the chance to run his own NBA team - Michael Jordan's Charlotte Bobcats. The UMaine Farmington grad has been a NBA assistant for 13 years.

Clifford's coaching career started back in the 1980's as Woodland High School boys coach. He coached several years at the college level. For the past 13 seasons he's been in the NBA, first as an assistant with Jeff Van Gundy then with Stan Van Gundy.

Clifford spent this past season as LA Lakers assistant under Mike Brown, then Mike D'Antoni.

According to NBA reports, the Bobcats grabbed Clifford even as he was set to interview for a second time with the Milwaukee Bucks for their head coach job.

The deal with Charlotte is a three year contract.