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Orlando Magic Rumors: Orlando Magic interview Steve Clifford, express interest in Michigan State Spartans coach Tom Izzo

By Ryan Doyle

CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 13: Head coach Steve Clifford of the Charlotte Hornets reacts during their game against the Dallas Mavericks at Spectrum Center on October 13, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 13: Head coach Steve Clifford of the Charlotte Hornets reacts during their game against the Dallas Mavericks at Spectrum Center on October 13, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic reportedly will interview former Charlotte Hornets coach Steve Clifford and expressed interest in Michigan State Spartans coach Tom Izzo

According to Marc Stein of The New York Times, the Orlando Magic have interviewed former Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford.

Prior to his lone head coaching stint with the Hornets, Steve Clifford spent more than a decade alongside the Van Gundy brothers. He started as an assistant with Jeff Van Gundy with the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets. He then moved to Orlando to assist Stan Van Gundy’s Magic team during their run that included an appearance in the 2009 NBA Finals.

Clifford spent the last five seasons in Charlotte, where he accumulated a 196-214 record (.478 win percentage). Clifford led the Hornets to an impressive 48-win season in the 2016 season. The Charlotte Hornets would lose in seven games to the Miami Heat in the first round.

Although it was a first-round exit, it was a big step for a franchise which was not accustomed to winning. Clifford received praise for leading the Hornets, even garnering a handful of Coach of the Year votes.

Sadly, Clifford was not able to propel the Hornets to the next level. In the next two seasons, Charlotte would finish with an identical 36-46 record.

Not all of that fault lies on Clifford as injuries took their toll on a talented roster.

Charlotte was always ultimately done in by poor late-game execution, some salary mismanagement (a big contract for Nicolas Batum seemed like the right bet) and constant injuries. The Hornets, after missing the Playoffs for a second straight year despite a positive net rating, let Clifford go after this season.

While the Hornets did not meet much success on the court overall, his teams always had a good reputation for being strong defensively. Even with some potentially weak defenders. They had a clear identity.

The team just never could get over the hump.

In what has been a quiet Magic coaching search, this leak appears important.

Clifford has familiarity with the club. He was a big part of arguably the best run in franchise history. He has proven to be a terrific defensive coach and fits the mold for what president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman is looking for.

Another coach who might fit that defensive, development culture is a college coach the Magic reportedly showed some interest in. You cannot say the team did not think big.

Michael Scotto of The Athletic reported Thursday that Orlando expressed interests in Michigan State Spartans coach Tom Izzo.

Izzo is already eliminated from the running, however. Graham Couch of the Lansing State Journal reports Izzo will not take the Magic’s coaching job. Ending yet another flirtation (albeit a short one) with the NBA for the Hall of Fame coach.

Izzo has led the Spartans to the NCAA Tournament on almost an annual basis and was able to take home the championship in 2000. His teams have been to seven Final Fours.

At the moment, Izzo is trying to get out of a messy situation in Michigan State. With scandals surrounding the school, Izzo could find a safe haven in the NBA. It is not the first time he has flirted with the league. But each time he returned to East Lansing.

For now, the Magic’s coaching search seems to be moving on a bit slowly. But it does seem to be moving. Orlando is still reviewing and sorting through candidates. Whether the team will find what it is looking for remains to be seen.

Next: Orlando Magic's second round picks hold importance too

At some point, the Magic will have to end the search. The new coach still has to get settled to help with the Draft and begin building the team’s culture.