Hornets Set to Interview Kings' Fernandez for HC Vacancy

Sacramento's associate head coach is getting looks from Charlotte.

December 16, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings associate head coach Jordi Fernandez. / Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Sacramento Kings have built and developed one of the top coaching staffs in the NBA, led by reigning Coach of the Year Mike Brown and one of the league's top assistants Jordi Fernandez. While this coaching tandem has led the Kings to many more wins than the franchise is used to, having one of the league's top assistants comes with a downside.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Charlotte Hornets have gained permission to interview Sacramento's Fernandez for their head coaching vacancy, along with three other top assistants in the Association.

Earlier this week, Hornets head coach Steve Clifford decided to step down from his position at the end of the season, as the veteran coach will move into a front office role in Charlotte. Clifford's early notice allows the Hornets to begin their coaching search before the season's conclusion, yet this may come at the expense of other teams.

Fernandez was at the forefront of multiple head coaching positions in the off-season, yet the second-year Sacramento assistant remained on the Kings sideline. It was only a matter of time before another franchise would allow the 41-year-old coach to take the reigns, and this Charlotte job could be his to lose.

Sacramento fans should praise Fernandez for being a vital piece to the turnaround of this franchise, and wish him the best for any opportunity that comes his way. While many would prefer these talks to wait until after the playoffs, the Kings will have to move forward regardless of circumstances.

---

Follow Inside The Kings on Facebook and Twitter.

Subscribe on YouTube for breaking Kings news videos and live-stream podcasts!