Hornets sign Charles Lee to contract extension. What it means for Charlotte
Charles Lee isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Just weeks after guiding the Charlotte Hornets to their best season in a half decade, the team inked its 41-year-old head coach to a contract extension. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Hired in 2024 after serving as an assistant on the Boston Celtics’ NBA championship staff, Lee originally signed a four-year deal, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. He’s been a part of turning things around alongside Jeff Peterson, the Hornets’ president of basketball operations.
The Hornets compiled 44 victories under Lee in 2025-26, advancing to the second round of the NBA’s play-in tournament before falling to the Orlando Magic. That came on the heels of a 19-win campaign in Lee’s first season, marking a 25-win improvement — the largest year-over-year leap in franchise history.
“Charles has done an outstanding job establishing a foundation for who we want to be as a team,” Peterson said in a statement. “From day one, Charles and his staff have prioritized player development, creating an environment where each of our players are committed to getting better and continue 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 won the Eastern Conference coach of the month award for January thanks to the Hornets posting an 11-6 record and tying for the highest point differential on the road (plus-151) in any month in NBA history.
Charlotte also registered the NBA’s top net rating of plus-10.5 since Jan. 1., aided by finishing first in offensive rating (120.7) and fifth in defensive rating (110.2).
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this team and building on what we’ve started here in Charlotte,” Lee said in a statement. “I want to thank Rick (Schnall), Gabe (Plotkin) and Jeff 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.”
