Hardaway backs out of Magic head coaching search

Memphis bench boss Penny Hardaway is pulling his name from consideration for the Orlando Magic head coaching gig.

"I couldn't step away from what I started," Hardaway told Stadium's Jeff Goodman. "One day it would be a dream to coach in the NBA, and the Orlando Magic, but we still have unfinished business at Memphis."

The former Magic star emerged as a serious candidate earlier in the week after three seasons at his alma mater. During his time with the Tigers, Hardaway has amassed a 63-32 record and drawn some highly rated recruits.

He signed a five-year contract extension with the program that runs through the 2025-26 campaign.

The Magic job became available when the team parted ways with Steve Clifford following a 21-51 injury-plagued season.