BREAKING NEWS: The head coach of the Charlotte Hornets has terminated his employment with the team today……….

The Charlotte Hornets have secured permission to interview several top assistant coaches for the franchise’s head-coaching opening, sources told ESPN on Thursday.

Hornets coach Steve Clifford is moving into a front office role at the end of the season, allowing for new executive vice president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson to begin a search that includes receiving permission to interview Denver Nuggets assistant David Adelman, Sacramento Kings assistant Jordi Fernandez, Boston Celtics assistant Charles Lee and Phoenix Suns assistant Kevin Young, sources told ESPN.

The Hornets are expected to pursue permission to interview other candidates in the coming days, sources said.

Westbrook contributed 11 points, five rebounds and four assists in 20 minutes off the bench during the Clippers’ 130-118 win over the Hornets.

It was at least the fourth time this season Westbrook has taken part in some sort of verbal sparring with members of the crowd.

After one of those incidents — which occurred during a November game against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena — Westbrook indicated that perceived disrespect of his family name often plays a role in his being involved in such altercations.

Understanding what Westbrook means. Understanding how important that is to my dad, my grandfather, my family.

It’s very important. It’s something I stand on, and respect is a big thing that I value. So the moment that line gets crossed, I won’t allow it no more.

I stood for it for years. Now that my son is old enough to know what’s going on and asking me, ‘Hey, Dad, what does that mean?’ Now I gotta stand on it.”