The Charlotte Hornets are adding another experienced voice to their sideline. According to Shams Charania, former Villanova head coach Kyle Neptune has agreed to join Charles Lee’s staff as an assistant coach for the 2025–26 season.
Neptune, 40, comes to Charlotte with a decade of experience at the college level. He spent the past three seasons leading Villanova, where he posted a 70–63 overall record. Before his head coaching stint, he served as an assistant under Jay Wright during Villanova’s national championship runs.
His path to the NBA began as a video coordinator at Villanova from 2008 to 2010, followed by assistant roles at Niagara and Villanova. In 2021, he earned his first head coaching opportunity at Fordham before returning to Villanova.
The Hornets’ move reflects a focus on player development and structure under first-year head coach Charles Lee. With a roster featuring LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Collin Sexton, and No. 4 pick Kon Knueppel, Charlotte continues to build around a mix of youth and established talent.
Neptune also brings international playing experience, having suited up in Lithuania for Siauliai and in Puerto Rico for San Germán after his college career at Lehigh.
Charlotte has been active this offseason, reshaping its roster with trades and free-agent additions. Alongside Neptune’s hiring, the Hornets acquired Spencer Dinwiddie and Pat Connaughton while drafting Knueppel, Sion James, and Ryan Kalkbrenner.
