NBA: Skiles resigns as Magic coach

PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 09: Head coach Scott Skiles of the Orlando Magic reacts during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 9, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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.   Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP
PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 09: Head coach Scott Skiles of the Orlando Magic reacts during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 9, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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. Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP

MIAMI , United States (AFP) — Orlando Magic head coach Scott Skiles resigned on Thursday, stepping down after a single season in charge that saw his team fail to reach the playoffs.

A statement from Orlando general manager Rob Hennigan said the team had reluctantly accepted Skiles resignation.

“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,” Skiles said in a statement.

“Therefore, effective immediately, I resign my position as head coach of the Orlando Magic. I sincerely apologize for any unintended consequences that may adversely affect anyone associated with this decision,” Skiles added.

Hennigan praised Skiles for “instilling a culture of accountability” during his year in charge.

“While we understand it was a challenging season, we reluctantly have accepted Scott’s (Skiles) resignation,” said Hennigan.

Skiles, 52, became the 12th head coach in Orlando’s history on May 29 last year.

Under Skiles the Magic finished with a 35-47 record, a ten-game improvement from the 2014-15 campaign but not enough to get them into the postseason.

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