Orlando Magic Chief Executive Officer Alex Martins announced today that Stan Van Gundy has been relieved of his duties as head coach. In addition President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Otis Smith and the organization have mutually agreed to part ways.

"On behalf of the DeVos Family, we sincerely appreciate and thank Otis and Stan for all that they have done on and off the floor for the Orlando Magic,” said Martins. "These are the days you dread in this business, but we feel it's time for new leadership and new voices.

"They both brought die-hard dedication and an unmatched work ethic on a daily basis,” added Martins. “Their success is well documented, as the Orlando Magic has had the fourth best record in the NBA over the last five years, and entering the playoffs this year the third most playoff wins over that period of time. The disappointment of getting eliminated in the first round of the playoffs these past two seasons played a primary role in our decision, as we feel our momentum towards winning a championship has paused. We wish Otis and Stan all the best and we look forward to taking the next step towards winning that championship."

Van Gundy was named head coach on June 7, 2007, becoming the ninth head coach in franchise history.

Van Gundy has a career NBA head coaching regular season record of 371-208 (.641), including 259-135 (.657) in five seasons in Orlando. He led Orlando to five postseason berths, three Southeast Division titles and the 2009 Eastern Conference crown. Prior to coming to Orlando he served as head coach of the Miami Heat for two-plus seasons.

In 2007-‘08, his first season in Orlando, Van Gundy guided the Magic to a 52-30 record and the Southeast Division Championship. It was the Magic's first division crown since 1995-‘96. Orlando also advanced past the opening round of the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 1996, defeating Toronto 4-1.

During the 2008-‘09 campaign Van Gundy led the Magic to a 59-23 record and through a memorable playoff run, capped off with the 2009 Eastern Conference championship and a berth in the NBA Finals, marking the second trip in franchise history.

In 2009-‘10, Van Gundy directed the Magic to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year, after compiling a 59-23 record during the season.

Last season, 2010-‘11, Orlando finished 52-30 and made its fourth straight trip to the playoffs. It was Orlando's fourth straight 50-win season and Van Gundy became the second-fastest active coach to 300 career wins and seventh-fastest all-time. He also coached his 500th career game and had the sixth-most wins in NBA history through 500 contests.

This past season, Orlando finished 37-29 (.561), good for sixth-best in the Eastern Conference. The Magic advanced to the postseason for the sixth consecutive time, the longest active streak in the Eastern Conference.

Smith was promoted to president of basketball operations on July 28, 2010. Smith was named general manager on May 3, 2006. He was assistant general manager during the 2005-06 campaign, after serving as director of player development for two seasons.

Source: http://www.nba.com/magic/news/magic_part_ways_with_van_gundy_smith_052112.html

I still dont think Howard is staying.

I suspect if the Nets get a top 3 pick that pick will be headed straight to Orlando for Howard along with "filler"

If the Magic have any hope of retaining Howard they have to bring in new voices with a fresh perspective. They have to articulate a new direction and plan to get to the top. The old regime had reached a dead end.

Maybe Stan does TV and enjoy's life.

He'll get paid nice next year.

CHAOS wrote:MDA gets that job. Adds more shooters like Novak, Redd and steals Lin. Lol

Nash

Deron Williams won't be there & is going home to Dallas Mavs

Howard's Nets will be more losers than their cross town rival Knicks
least NYK will be in playoffs

Nalod wrote:

DJMUSIC wrote:Despite where Howard goes
(? Brooklyn Nets)

Deron Williams won't be there & is going home to Dallas Mavs

Howard's Nets will be more losers than their cross town rival Knicks
least NYK will be in playoffs

I find myself curiously rooting for Brooklyn to find a way to get Howard and keep Dwil.

I find myself thinking if the nets succeed it really does not matter to the knicks.

Does a Net Failure in fact validate the knicks in anyway? They suck, we make the playoffs and get bounced in the first round somehow should make us feel better? They suck, we suck less?

If Nets succeed maybe the kNicks have to take a different route than the one currently should it not yield results. Maybe the knicks are forced to be better?

Yeah that theory worked out well during the Jason Kidd years...