Magic finally get a coach

Van Gundy takes the reins in Orlando after a bizarre week-long flirtation with Billy Donovan, the University of Florida mentor.

Donovan signed a lucrative five-year deal to coach the Magic on Friday of last week, but almost immediately regretted the decision and spent the next several days trying to get out of the contract.

The Magic finally let Donovan out of the deal on Wednesday and quickly set their sights on Van Gundy.

Van Gundy served as head coach of the Miami Heat for two-plus seasons from 2003-05 and recorded a regular-season mark of 112-73 and a postseason record of 17-11. His .605 regular season and .607 playoff winning percentages are both tops in franchise history.

"Stan enjoyed tremendous success during his tenure with the Heat," said Magic general manager Otis Smith. "He has a great basketball mind, tremendous respect around the league and will get the most out of our players. Stan was sought-after by many teams this summer and we feel very proud to welcome him to the Magic family."

The Sacramento Kings were also interested in Van Gundy’s services.

Overall Van Gundy spent 12 years with the Heat, arriving prior to the 1995-96 campaign and served as assistant coach under Pat Riley for two seasons. He was elevated to assistant head coach in 1997, a position he held for six seasons.

Van Gundy was the team’s lead assistant until being named head coach in October of 2003. He resigned as head coach on December 12, 2005 when Riley took back the top sot.

Van Gundy painted his departure as a chance to spend more time with his family but many reports had Riley forcing Van Gundy out. He did remain with the Heat as a scout and a consultant, however.

Prior to his tenure with Miami, Van Gundy coached at the University of Wisconsin for three seasons and was head coach in 1994-95.

Van Gundy replaces Brian Hill, who was fired on May 23 after two consecutive losing seasons and a sweep at the hands of the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the playoffs this season.