Steve Clifford out as Magic head coach as Orlando enters rebuild
The Orlando Magic are the NBA third team with an opening for a head coach, joining Portland and Boston.
The Magic and Steve Clifford have agreed to part ways, the team announced in a statement Saturday.
"We appreciate the many sacrifices he has made as our head coach and understand the timeline of our new path does not align with his goals as a head coach in our league," Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman said in a statement.
Clifford spent three seasons with the Magic, guiding them to the playoffs in 2019 and 2020. He was 96-131 with Orlando, including 21-51 this season in which injuries and COVID-19 health and safety protocols hampered progress.
Before the trade deadline, the Magic dealt Nik Vucevic to Chicago, Evan Fournier to Boston and Aaron Gordon to Denver in exchange for first-round picks in 2021, 2023 and 2025. It was a clear signal the Magic entered a rebuild.
The Magic had players miss 414 games due to injury or illness. Mo Bamba was limited to 46 games, Markelle Fultz played in just eight games, Michael Carter-Williams missed 41 games, James Ennis missed 31 games, Chuma Okeke missed 27 games, Terrence Ross missed 26 games and Jonathan Isaac sat out the entire season after sustaining a torn ACL in his left knee in the bubble last season.
"It’s been an honor and privilege to coach this team in this community," Clifford said Saturday.
Clifford, 59, is a respected coach throughout the league. He has dealt with health issues over the years and missed time this season after he tested positive for COVID-19. Before Orlando, he coached Charlotte for five seasons.