CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- People familiar with the situation say the Charlotte Hornets have finalized a deal to hire San Antonio Spurs assistant coach James Borrego as their next head coach.

The people spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday on condition of anonymity because the Hornets haven't announced the hiring.

A press conference is expected in the next few days.

The 40-year Borrego has spent 15 years an NBA assistant coach, including 10 with San Antonio under Gregg Popovich. He also was an assistant with the New Orleans Hornets, well before the team moved back to Charlotte.

The Hornets fired coach Steve Clifford this offseason after five seasons with the team. Charlotte has failed to make the playoffs in three of the past four seasons.