Coach Stan Van Gundy and general manager Otis Smith are no longer with the Magic. In a statement from the team Monday afternoon, the Magic announced they have fired Van Gundy and agreed to part ways with Smith.
Van Gundy leaves the Magic as the winningest coach in franchise history with a 259-135 regular-season record in five seasons. The 51-year-old led the Magic to the playoffs in all five seasons, capturing the Southeast Division title three times and the Eastern Conference title once, in 2009.
The dismissal of Van Gundy comes following rumors that Dwight Howard had requested the Magic fire Van Gundy.
Smith leaves having never missed the postseason as the team’s general manager. Smith had served as director of player development for two seasons before being named assistant general manager for the 2005-06 season and being named GM the following year. Smith also was promoted to president of basketball operations in 2010.
Before his career in the front office, Smith was a player for the inaugural 1989-90 Magic and remained with the team through the 1991-92 season. He played six years in the NBA, with the Nuggets, Warriors and Magic.
