With the 2017-18 season nearing its end, several teams around the NBA landscape are scouring the market for available head coaches, including the Orlando Magic. A few candidates have already been taken off the board, but it sounds like the Magic have their eye on Steve Clifford, according to a report from Marc Stein of The New York Times.

According to Stein, the Magic have set up an interview with Clifford this week. As most hoops fans know, Clifford most recently coached the Charlotte Hornets, finishing with a 36-46 overall record this season.

Steve Clifford, now 56 years of age, took an excused leave of absence earlier this season to deal with personal health issues. After a 21-game leave, Clifford returned to his coaching duties. However, he was fired as head coach on April 13, 2018. Clifford coached the Hornets for five seasons, recording a 196–214 overall record.

Aside from Clifford, the Magic (25-57 this season) are said to be interested in a few other candidates for their head coaching vacancy, including University of Houston coach Kelvin Sampson, who recently led the Cougars to a 27-8 record. Sampson has served as an assistant in the NBA (Milwaukee Bucks from 2008 to 2011 and Houston Rockets from 2011 to 2014), but has no head coaching experience in the pros.

Who the Magic will choose for this job opening remains to be seen, but it sounds like the team is staying vigilant in their search. Be sure to keep your browsers locked on ClutchPoints for more updates on this topic as they become available.