Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up
All Scores
Odds by

Scott Skiles: ‘I and I alone, have come to the conclusion that I am not the right head coach for this team’

Charlotte Hornets v Orlando Magic

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 22: Scott Skiles of the Orlando Magic points during the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Amway Center on January 22, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Scott Skiles resigned as Magic coach.

As Orlando guard Evan Fournier said:

Magic release:

Scott Skiles has resigned as head coach of the Orlando Magic, General Manager Rob Hennigan announced today. The search for a new head coach will begin immediately.

“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.”

“While we understand it was a challenging season, we reluctantly have accepted Scott’s (Skiles) resignation,” said Hennigan. “We appreciate Scott instilling a culture of accountability and certainly wish him and his family well.”


Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel:

Skiles is notoriously headstrong. He’s the type to suddenly resign rather than compromise.

Elfrid Payton lost his starting job for a few games in March. Before reinserting Payton into the starting lineup, Skiles warned, via Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel:

“It’s imperative that we get away from just playing guys regardless of what they do. That’s a terrible mistake, in my opinion. I don’t think that’s how guys develop properly,” Skiles said.


The Magic also traded Tobias Harris and Channing Frye before the deadline essentially for cap space, taking away two of Skiles’ key players. I wouldn’t be surprised if Skiles – who, like most coaches, is focused on winning as quickly as possible – didn’t like those moves, either.