In a surprise, the Charlotte Bobcats have hired St. John's assistant coach Mike Dunlap to be their next coach, the Charlotte Observer reports.

CHARLOTTE OBSERVER EXCLUSIVE: St. John’s assistant Mike Dunlap has been has accepted the head coach of the Charlotte #Bobcats. (cont.)

— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) June 19, 2012

It was believed that former Mizzou coach and current Lakers assistant Quin Snyder and Pacers assistant Brian Shaw were the two finalists after former Jazz coach Jerry Sloan removed himself from consideration.

Dunlap is a former Nuggets assistant and took over as acting head coach for St. John's while Steven Lavin dealt with prostate cancer surgery this season.

From the Observer:

The Observer’s source, who asked for anonymity because Dunlap’s hire isn’t official, said Dunlap impressed the front office with his high energy and collaborative approach. Also, he wants to run an up-tempo offense and attacking defense that figures to fit some of the Bobcats’ younger personnel.

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