NBA: Hornets sign Charles Lee to extension after 25-win improvement

Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee has signed a contract extension, the team announced on Thursday. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Lee, 41, led a significant turnaround in his second season with the Hornets, improving the team by 25 wins. Charlotte finished the 2025–26 season with a 44–38 record, winning 28 of its final 38 games.

The Hornets advanced in the play-in tournament with an overtime victory over the Miami Heat before being eliminated by the Orlando Magic. Over two seasons at the helm, Lee has compiled a 63–101 record.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this team and building on what we’ve started here in Charlotte,” Lee said. “I want to thank Rick (Schnall, co-chairman and governor), Gabe (Plotkin, co-chairman and alternate governor) and Jeff (Peterson, president of basketball operations) for their support, as well as my coaching staff and the players for their tireless work and dedication.

“I’m excited about the direction we’re headed and our team’s bright future. Our players have shown a real commitment to growth, and I’m proud of the culture we’re establishing together. We’re just getting started, and I’m looking forward to the work ahead.”

Lee was previously named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for January during the season.

“Charles has done an outstanding job establishing a foundation for who we want to be as a team,” said Peterson. “From Day One, Charles and his staff have prioritized player development, creating an environment where each of our players is committed to getting better and continuing to improve. He has built a team-first culture rooted in accountability, hard work and professionalism. I’m excited to keep working closely with Charles as we continue to build the Hornets for long-term success.”

Lee was hired on May 9, 2024, by Peterson, marking a reunion between the two from their time in the Atlanta Hawks organization. Lee served as an assistant coach with the Hawks from 2014 to 2018, spent five seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks from 2018 to 2023, and joined the Boston Celtics for the 2023–24 season before taking the Hornets’ head coaching job.

— Field Level Media / Reuters