Scott Skiles is resigning as head coach of the Orlando Magic. He has only been with the team for one year before his announcement.
“After much thought and careful consideration, I and I alone, have come to the conclusion that I am not the right head coach for this team,” Skiles stated.
He continued that his resignation is effective immediately and although his decision can result to a lot of speculation, he is leaving the team after considering everything on his own. He said that any other rumors about his departure as Orlando Magic coach is pure conjecture.
Orlando Magic Surprised by Scott Skiles' Resignation
According to ESPN, Skiles also apologized for any unintended consequences that may have been caused by his resignation. He thanked the DeVos family and the Orlando Magic for the opportunity and wished them success.
Rob Hennigan, general manager of the team, said that they were surprised with Skiles’ decision to resign. Hennigan recalled how he and Skiles had a great talk about basketball when they first met in 2015.
Some players also thanked Skiles on social media for helping improve their game.
The Magic stated that they will immediately be searching for a new Orlando Magic coach.
Rumors on the Outgoing Orlando Magic Coach
There have been claims that Skiles was unhappy as Orlando Magic coach that he decided not to pick up an option year in his contract. He was supposed to lead the team through the 2017-18 NBA season, with a team option for 2018-19.
The Orlando Sentinel noted that Skiles was not present when the Magic delegation interviewed potential draftees at the combine in Chicago.
NBA.com reported that Skiles, 52, previously coached the Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns before becoming an Orlando Magic coach. His departure makes the Magic the fourth team in the NBA with a current coaching vacancy. It is also the 233rd coaching change in the NBA since Gregg Popovich became head coach of the San Antonio Spurs in 1996.
The Magic had a 35-47 record during the 2015-16 NBA season and failed to join the playoffs for the fourth straight year. The team’s best performance under Skiles as Orlando Magic coach was in November 2015, when they went 9-6. It was the team’s best month since March 2012. Skiles was named NBA Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for December. Skiles previously gained the recognition three times before.
More updates and details on the new Orlando Magic coach are expected soon.
