Report: Playoffs last year guaranteed Hornets coach Clifford's contract for '15-16

The Charlotte Hornets almost certainly would have exercised an option on the last year of head coach Steve Clifford's contract, but that decision appears to have been made for them.

Clifford’s salary for the 2015-16 season automatically became guaranteed when last year's team - when they were still the Bobcats - qualified for the playoffs, according to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer.

Clifford was hired as Charlotte's head coach ahead of the 2013-14 season on a three-year deal worth $6 million, with the first two years guaranteed and the third an ostensible team option. 

But the Bobcats' surprise 43-39 campaign reportedly triggered an incentive clause, designed to trump the option in the event the team made the playoffs in either of Clifford's first two seasons on the bench.

They've taken a step back this season, owing to a confluence of factors (namely: injuries, abysmal shooting and some startling regression) but it's hard to pin too much blame on Clifford or gripe about him securing another season at the helm.

He's crafted a top-six defense for the second consecutive season - despite a dearth of reliable rim protectors - and clearly has the respect of his players, who vouch for him even when there's no need to.

Besides, last year's playoff appearance was just the second for the franchise since basketball was reborn in Charlotte in 2004. Giving the coach who helped make it happen another kick at the can seems a small price to pay.