Steve Clifford will not be back as coach of the Orlando Magic next season. The decision was said to be mutual. Clifford spent three years with the Magic, going 96-131 with two playoff appearances. The team missed the playoffs this year by a wide margin and ushered in a full rebuilding era by trading All-Star Nikola Vucevic, Evan Fournier and Aaron Gordon at the trade deadline this spring. Clifford called it his toughest season. Magic President Jeff Weltman did not say if the team has a target date for hiring a coach. Orlando becomes the third coaching opening in the NBA, following Boston and Portland.
