Coaches History

Original Hornets Era (1988-2002)

  • Rosters: The early Hornets teams were built around young talent and exciting draft picks. Through the '90s, they developed into playoff contenders with dynamic rosters that connected with fans.
  • Head Coaches: The franchise cycled through multiple coaches, including foundational names who helped define the team's gritty, energetic style. Coaching changes were frequent during early years but reflected the team's growing ambitions.
  • General Managers: GMs during this period were responsible for shaping the identity of the Hornets through savvy drafting and high-profile trades that made the team competitive in the Eastern Conference.

Bobcats Era (2004-2014)

  • Rosters: The Bobcats struggled to find consistent success but developed a few standout players during this time. Their rosters often featured a mix of young prospects and veterans trying to establish a winning culture.
  • Head Coaches: This era saw frequent coaching changes, reflecting the franchise's effort to find a strong and stable leadership style. Most coaches had limited tenure due to the team's on-court struggles
  • General Managers: The GMs during this time faced the challenge of building a competitive roster from scratch. They oversaw several draft picks and free-agent signings aimed at laying a long-term foundation.

Hornets Rebrand Era (2014-Present)

  • Rosters: With the return of the Hornets name, the team entered a new era that focused on rebuilding around younger players and a strong community presence. This period featured efforts to return to playoff contention and reestablish the Hornets brand.
  • Head Coaches: The coaching direction shifted toward player development and creating a modern NBA system. Several coaches have cycled through as the franchise searches for sustained success.
  • General Managers: Recent GMs have worked to build through the draft and cap space flexibility, shaping a roster aimed at long-term growth and playoff relevance.