NBA's Magic fire coach Van Gundy

22 May 2012, 8:02 am   -   Source: AAP

Orlando Magic fired coach Stan van Gundy after they were eliminated from the first round of the NBA play-offs by the Indiana Pacers.

The NBA's Orlando Magic fired coach Stan van Gundy and agreed to part ways with general manager Otis Smith on Monday after they were eliminated from the first round of the play-offs by the Indiana Pacers.

The Magic finished 37-29, sixth in the Eastern Conference, but struggled after star center Dwight Howard underwent season-ending back surgery even as they reached the playoffs for the sixth year in a row.

"We sincerely appreciate and thank Otis and Stan for all that they have done on and off the floor for the Orlando Magic," said Magic chief executive officer Alex Martins.

"These are the days you dread in this business, but we feel it's time for new leadership and new voices."

Three years after losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2009 NBA Finals, the Magic were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs for the second year in a row, a major factor in the decision to seek new leadership at the club.

Van Gundy, who took charge of the Magic in 2007, has a regular-season career NBA coaching record of 371-208, including 259-135 over five seasons in Orlando.

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