Orlando Coach Stan Van Gundy and GM Otis Smith Leave Magic
Monday, May 21, 2012
By: Mark Simpson

The Orlando Magic announced Monday afternoon that head coach Stan Van Gundy has been relieved of his duties. General Manager Otis Smith also "agreed mutually to part ways" with the team. The announcement comes after months of speculation over Van Gundy's departure.

Van Gundy served five years as the Magic's head coach, Smith six years as General Manager.

For months a thinly veiled disptute between Magic star Dwight Howard and Van Gundy simmered, eventually leading to concern that Howard would leave the team.

Magic CEO Alex Martins said in a press release "...It's time for new leadership and new voices."

Martins also noted the success that the Smith and Van Gundy team brought to the Magic,

"The Orlando Magic has had the fourth best record n the NBA over the last five years and entering the playoffs this year, the third most playoff wins over that period."

Reaction to the departure was mixed on social media web posts, some called the moves "horrible", while others emphatically stated "hallelujah!"