Steve Clifford Net Worth

Steve Clifford net worth is estimated at $4 million, earned through a long and steady career in basketball coaching at the high school, college, and NBA levels. His income has largely come from NBA assistant coaching roles and head coaching contracts, most notably with the Charlotte Bobcats and Charlotte Hornets.

Clifford is widely respected for his defensive-minded coaching philosophy and player development skills.

Steve Clifford Net Worth	$4 Million
Date of Birth	17 September 1961
Place of Birth	Lincoln, Maine

Table of Contents

Early Life

Steve Clifford was born in May 1961 in Lincoln, Maine. He played basketball at North Country Union High School before continuing his career at the University of Maine at Farmington.

He graduated with a degree in special education, a background that shaped his early professional life both on and off the court.

Coaching and Teaching Career

After college, Clifford began his career as a teacher and coach at Woodland High School from 1983 to 1985, where he served as head coach of the basketball team.

He then moved into college coaching, working as an assistant coach at Saint Anselm College (1985–1989). His coaching journey continued with assistant roles at Fairfield University (1989–1990), Boston University (1990–1994), and Siena College (1994–1995).

College Head Coaching Experience

In 1995, Clifford earned his first college head coaching job at Adelphi University, where he coached from 1995 to 1999. His success at Adelphi further established his reputation as a disciplined and detail-oriented coach.

He later returned to an assistant coaching role at East Carolina University during the 1999–2000 season.

Transition to the NBA

Clifford made the jump to the NBA in 2000, starting as an advance scout for the New York Knicks. He was soon promoted to assistant coach, a role he held from 2001 to 2003.

He went on to serve as an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets (2003–2007), the Orlando Magic (2007–2012), and the Los Angeles Lakers (2012–2013). During this period, Clifford became known for his defensive schemes and game preparation.

NBA Head Coaching Career

In 2013, Steve Clifford was appointed head coach of the Charlotte Bobcats, later known as the Charlotte Hornets.

In his first season, Clifford led the team to a 43–39 record and a playoff appearance, marking one of the most successful seasons in franchise history at the time. His ability to maximize roster talent earned him league-wide respect.

Steve Clifford Salary

Steve Clifford’s earnings increased significantly after becoming an NBA head coach. While assistant coaches typically earn lower salaries, his head coaching contract in Charlotte contributed substantially to his $4 million net worth.

His financial success reflects years of consistent work across multiple levels of basketball.

Coaching Style

Steve Clifford is best known for his defensive focus, structured systems, and emphasis on discipline. Although not a former NBA player, his impact as a coach has been substantial, particularly in building competitive teams with limited resources.