Hornets Announce James Borrego Dismissal, Coaching Search To Start ‘Immediately’

The Hornets have officially announced the dismissal of coach James Borrego via a team statement.

“I want to thank JB for his hard work and commitment during these past four seasons,” GM Mitch Kupchak said. “Beyond his work as a coach, he is a tremendous person. I wish him and his family the best in the future.

“These decisions are always difficult. Having said that, we have a talented, young core of players which has me very excited about the future of the Hornets. We will begin the search for our new head coach immediately.” 

Borrego, 44, led the Hornets to a 43-39 record, a 10-game improvement from the previous season. But they lost badly to the Hawks in the play-in tournament and failed to make the playoffs.

The move comes after Borrego received a contract extension last August. At the time, he had just this season remaining on his deal.

Rumors persisted most of the season that Borrego was likely safe for next season, and that the future of Kupchak with the franchise may be in doubt. Last month, Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report wrote that Kupchak may be in line for an advisory role with the team.

Borrego has compiled a 148-183 record in his four years with Charlotte. He had been an assistant with the Spurs, Magic and Hornets before that, landing his first NBA assistant coaching job in 2010.