ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando Magic head coach Scott Skiles found himself in a power struggle with general manager Rob Hennigan, leading to the coach's unexpected resignation, according to News 6 sports director David Pingalore's sources.
After recent back-and-forth discussions with Magic management, Skiles could not get what he wanted so he stepped down, sources said.
Sources told Pingalore that if Hennigan wasn't going to be removed, Skiles was left with no choice in his mind but to resign.
"Skiles doesn't believe this team can win in its current state, regardless of the free agents that the Magic
would acquire in the offseason," said sources, adding that Skiles wanted more control of personnel.
According to Pingalore's league sources, Skiles and Hennigan never saw eye to eye on roster matters.
Skiles was not been a fan with a number of the players on the roster, said sources, adding that Skiles thought point guard Elfrid Payton and Victor Oladipo should have been traded.
Hennigan is entering his fifth season, continuing to find the right mix of players and now will be searching
for a new head coach.
Skiles leaves the Magic abruptly after one season, with four years left on a contract that he was owed $20 million.
In a statement released by the Magic, Skiles said, "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,” 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.”
2014-15 v. 2015-16 Orlando Magic | PointAfter
The team had 10 more victories than the previous year, winning 35 games this past season.
"I sincerely apologize for any unintended consequences that may adversely affect anyone associated with this decision," Skiles added. "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,” Hennigan said. “We appreciate Scott instilling a culture of accountability and certainly wish him and his family well.”