State College, Pa. - June 20, 2003 - The New Orleans Hornets announced today that Jeff Bower, who recently accepted a position as an assistant coach with Penn State and new head coach Ed DeChellis, will remain with the NBA squad as an assistant coach.

Bower, who has been with the Hornets for eight years, was the team's General Manager for the last few years. He will serve on the NBA sidelines with new New Orleans head coach Tim Floyd.

"It was a great opportunity for Jeff and his family, both professionally and financially," DeChellis said. "It is unfortunate that this has happened at this time, but we wish him all the best."

Bower accepted an assistant coach spot at Penn State on May 7 but remained in New Orleans to continue his General Manager duties as the team prepared for the upcoming NBA Draft in late-June.

DeChellis had previously hired Hilliary Scott and James Johnson as assistant coaches on his staff.