After firing head coach Frank Vogel almost seven weeks ago, the Orlando Magic have finally hired his replacement.The franchise has agreed to a four-year deal with Steve Clifford to become their new head coach.Like Vogel, Clifford was fired at the end of the season as his five-year stint with the Charlotte Hornets was brought to an end.But he wasn't out of a job for long as Orlando identified him as their preferred candidate to take the reigns.The 56-year-old has a history and familiarity with the franchise after as he spent five years as an assistant coach to Stan Van Gundy between 2007-2012.He was part of a successful Magic era which saw them make the NBA Finals in 2009, the 2010 Eastern Conference Finals and six consecutive playoffs appearances.But since Clifford departed in 2012 when Van Gundy was fired, the team has failed to reach the postseason in the six seasons since.The Orlando front office is hoping that he will be the man to change that and make the team competitive in the east once again.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman considered Clifford "the right combination of tactical coach, teacher and disciplinarian for a young, developing roster."

"We are very excited to welcome Steve (Clifford) back into the Magic family,’’ Jeff Weltman said in a release.

"Steve is widely regarded throughout the NBA community as an elite coach and developer of players at all stages. His teams have always been disciplined and prepared and have embraced the concept of playing for each other."

In five years with the Hornets, he amassed a record of 196-214 and led them to the playoffs twice.

He ended his tenure in Charlotte with back-to-back 36-46 seasons and owner Michael Jordan decided it was time for a change.

But his recent failings haven't put the Magic off and he'll be tasked with getting the best out of a young core featuring Aaron Gordon and last year's number five pick Jonathan Isaac.

Clifford will also have a say in the upcoming draft as the Florida-based outfit has the number six pick and will have several options to choose from in a talented class.

More than anything, Orlando will be hoping to have some stability with this appointment as he becomes their fifth coach since 2012.

He'll need time to turn their fortunes around but he's certainly capable of getting it done.

CLICK HERE to listen to Episode Two of the new GiveMeSport NBA podcast, featuring New York Times senior writer Marc Stein. Subscribe for all future episodes.