The Charlotte Hornets are finalizing a deal with San Antonio Spurs assistant James Borrego to make him the new head coach of the team, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The organization had two separate second interviews with Borrego and Boston Celtics assistant Jay Larranaga within the past week, with the former winning the favor of a North Carolina brass spearheaded by owner Michael Jordan.

Former coach Steve Clifford was fired after five years with the team, failing to make it past the first round in his two playoff appearances.

Borrego is one among the long line of Gregg Popovich disciples, which have garnered plenty of traction during the offseason — as the likes of Mike Budenholzer, Ettore Messina, and Ime Udoka have garnered consideration among franchises looking for a coach.

Borrego was 10-20 as an interim coach of the Orlando Magic, tasked with finishing the 2014-15 season. He interviewed for several head-coaching gigs this spring, including the New York Knicks and the Phoenix Suns, both of which have hired already.