NBA: Magic fire Van Gundy

Head coach Stan Van Gundy has been fired by the Orlando Magic after a tumultuous season in which he clashed with Dwight Howard.

Orlando head coach pays price for strife-ridden season

Head coach Stan Van Gundy has been fired by the Orlando Magic after a tumultuous season in which he clashed with All-Star centre Dwight Howard. Van Gundy, who took the reins in Orlando in 2007, said in March that Howard had asked for him to be relieved of his duties. The Magic, who were eliminated in the first round of the NBA play-offs by the Indiana Pacers, have also confirmed that general manager Otis Smith has agreed to leave the franchise. "These are the days you dread in this business, but we feel it's time for new leadership and new voices," Orlando chief executive Alex Martins said in a statement. "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." Van Gundy had a 259-135 record with the Magic and led the team to the NBA Finals in 2009, but Orlando never achieved their aim of winning the NBA title with him at the helm.