Hornets, Coach Charles Lee Reach Multiyear Contract Extension
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The Charlotte Hornets have signed head coach Charles Lee to a new multiyear contract, the club announced today in a press release.
Lee, hired in 2024 to replace Steve Clifford, won 19 games in his first season while the rebuilding roster dealt with multiple injuries. The following year, he steered Charlotte to a 44-38 record—a 25-win jump and the franchise’s best regular-season mark since 2015/16—finishing one victory short of a playoff berth.
“Charles has established a clear foundation for the type of team we want to be,” president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson said, noting the staff’s focus on player development and a culture of accountability, hard work and professionalism.
The 2025/26 campaign began slowly for Charlotte, which dropped 14 of its first 18 games and sat at 11-23 before a Jan. 3 matchup in Chicago. From that point forward, the Hornets compiled a 33-15 record, leading the league in offensive rating (120.6), ranking fourth in defensive rating (109.9) and finishing first in net rating (+10.7) over that span.
Charlotte defeated Miami in the 9-vs-10 play-in game but fell to Orlando in its second play-in contest. Despite the early exit, the strong second half fueled optimism inside the organization.
Contract terms were not disclosed. When Lee was hired in 2024, reports indicated a four-year agreement. With two seasons remaining on that deal, the new extension keeps him under contract through at least 2029, with the possibility of additional years.
Source: HoopsRumors
