Coach Clifford started coaching career in Adelphi Ncaa 2 division, than he continued in Eastern Carolina, then as a scout in the New York Knicks. He started his first job in the NBA as an assistant tenor with the Houston Rockets and spent the next 4 years. After that, he moved to Orlando Magic where he stayed for 6 seasons and LA Lakers where he stayed for one season. Coach Clifford started his head coaching career in the Charlotte Bobcats in the 2013-2014 season and spent the next five seasons on their bench. After Charlotte, coach Clifford led Orlando Magic for three seasons, after which Charlotte also returned.