Steve Clifford Out as Head Coach of the Orlando Magic; Terry Stotts Rumored As Possible Replacement

Just two months after trading away the core of the team, the Orlando Magic have parted ways with head coach Steve Clifford. Officially, it's being described as a "mutual decision".

Clifford, who led the Magic to the playoffs in successive seasons prior to this year, had several meetings with management over recent weeks that ultimately drove what’s been described to ESPN as a “mutual decision.” https://t.co/awx6SryQc3
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 5, 2021

The Magic are into a full rebuild, having dealt away Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon, and Evan Fournier at the trade deadline.

Clifford has one year left on a four-year contract.

And the rumor mill on Clifford's potential replacement took only moments to start churning, as Marc Stein is reporting that former Portland coach Terry Stotts, after not even one day in the unemployment line, is atop the Magic's wish list.

The Magic have interest in former Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts, league sources say, after Orlando and Steve Clifford parted ways today.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 5, 2021