Stan Van Gundy is now Orlando Magic’s ex-coach

The Orlando Magic fired Coach Stan Van Gundy together with general manager Otis Smith on Monday.

Van Gundy left a record of 371 victories, 208 losses (an remarkable .641 winning percentage), one chance to the NBA Finals, two Eastern Conference finals advents and five playoff presences in five seasons.

Change is always scratchy and essential. Five seasons with one team is a decent run for an NBA coach, and Van Gundy made the most of his contract. Van Gundy would probably be in a new job sooner and many told us that he is man that should not worry about his future. Who is then should worry?

Stan Van Gundy will be fine on its way out. It's the Magic whose future requires a clear track. They went as distant as they were going to drive with Van Gundy, and now is the impeccable time for CEO Alex Martins to find the right manager and coach of the team.

On the other hand, Van Gundy departure is to keep the Magic’s best player Dwight Howard long-term, and that's what they have desired.

To hold Howard, Van Gundy and Smith had to leave, and be replaced by options appropriate for Howard’s development and eventually the team’s success for the future season.

It's a serious moment in Orlando's history. Owner Richard DeVos is 86 and desires to see the Magic grab a championship. That enormous accountability falls on Martins, but the Magic have a demonstrated commitment to winning and should entice excellent applicants for both positions.

They will be without Stan Van Gundy, who had one season lingering on his contract, for the next season. He will get salaried, and he won't long for a job, if that's what he wishes. If another NBA team doesn't employ him for the succeeding season, he can be an inspiring TV analyst.