Skip to content

Scott Skiles steps down as Magic head coach

Jeff Hanisch / Reuters

Orlando Magic head coach Scott Skiles informed the team he's stepping down on Thursday.

The 52-year-old Skiles revealed in a press release he's "not the right head coach for the team."

"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," said Skiles. "Therefore, effective immediately, I resign my position as head coach of the Orlando Magic. I realize this type of decision can cause much speculation. The reality though is in the first sentence. It is simple and true. Any other rumors are pure conjecture."

"I sincerely apologize for any unintended consequences that may adversely affect anyone associated with this decision," Skiles continued. "The Magic are a world-class organization that employs world-class people. I wish them nothing but great success. I will always be thankful, especially to the DeVos family, for the opportunity."

Skiles had been unhappy for months, according to Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel.

He took on the job less than a year ago, guiding the team to a 35-47 record in an uneven season. The Magic raced out to a 19-13 start before sputtering to a 16-34 finish.

Known as a defense-first, no-nonsense manager, Skiles did manage to coax a 16th-ranked defense from the Magic after they had finished 24th a season ago.

Skiles' offense remained unimaginative, however, and he was reluctant to give his prospects significant minutes until the postseason was essentially out of reach. He preferred to work with veterans in his previous stops in Milwaukee, Chicago, and Phoenix, which made him a curious fit for a young team like the Magic.

With his departure, Skiles becomes the 11th head coach to leave the team he coached at the beginning of the 2015-16 campaign.

The Magic will launch their head coaching search immediately.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox