Orlando Magic

Note: The Magic have hired former Magic coach Brian Hill to be head coach again..
. 6--The Fans. There is pressure on the Redskins to change this policy, or retire 28, Darrell Green's number. The Magic will pick 11th in the 2005 NBA Draft. However, some are unofficially retired, like 9, Sonny Jurgensen's number. In addition, the Magic announced the following day that Brian Hill, the coach who led the Magic to the NBA Finals under O'Neal and Hardaway, would return as head coach. Note: Team policy since Baugh's retirement has been not to retire numbers.

On May 23, however, the Magic's plans were disrupted by the abrupt resignation of General Manager and Chief Operating Officer John Weisbrod.
. However, the promise for the future is great, as the club hopes to build around Howard, Hill, Francis, and Nelson and become a playoff contender with a new coach. There have been similar complaints about the MLB teams Cleveland Indians and Atlanta Braves. In the end, the Magic ended a few games out of the playoffs. Some Native American groups have called for a new name, and some newspapers in the United States have refused to call the team by their name, instead using such circumlocutions as "The Washington football team". Their playoff push was hampered by injuries in the last quarter of the season: a season-ending broken wrist for sixth man Hedo Turkoglu, a shin injury to Grant Hill, a rib cage injury to Nelson, and a three-game suspension to Francis for allegedly kicking a photographer. There is considerable controversy over the team's name and logo.

The Magic finished the season with a 36-46 record, disappointing after a strong start. sports franchise. Howard was an unanimous selection. As of 2004, Forbes Magazine values the franchise at over $1 billion, the highest in the NFL and of any U.S. Hill was chosen an All-Star starter by NBA fans, and Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson were named to the All-Rookie first and second teams, respectfully. The move leaves the team's future at the vital quarterback position in some doubt, considering Brunell and Patrick Ramsey also remain on the roster at the present time. Hill also returned and averaged 19 points a game. The 'Skins (as they are known to their fans) still found a way to turn heads, however: at the 2005 NFL Draft, the team traded away multiple picks to move up in the draft and select quarterback Jason Campbell from Auburn University.

In addition, Nelson, after a slow start, developed into a talented player, taking over the starting point guard position. Other signings included center Casey Rabach and wide receiver David Patten. Howard was a consistant rebounder and scorer, becoming the first rookie to start and play all 82 games in a season. This off-season, however, the Redskins seem to have been more modest, with their most high-profile signing - wide receiver Santana Moss - joining the team via a trade with the New York Jets. However, Howard showed great promise, becoming one of the few players to average a double-double. Since Dan Snyder took over the team, the Redskins have had a reputation for being very active during the off-season and signing free agent players to large contracts; not always ideal in the era of a salary cap. However, led by the erratic play of Francis, the Magic also lost to league bottom-feeders, such as the expansion Charlotte Bobcats and the Atlanta Hawks. Some of Gibbs' other new signings, such as cornerback Shawn Springs and linebacker Marcus Washington did impress, however, while the jury remains out on talented running back Clinton Portis.

Throughout the season, bolstered by Hill's return, the Magic played spectacularly, defeating top NBA teams such as the San Antonio Spurs and the Detroit Pistons. Despite an impressive defense, the team struggled offensively, and quarterback Mark Brunell - an off-season acquisition from the Jacksonville Jaguars - proved to be a major disappointment. The Magic are currently in a search for a new head coach. Gibbs' return to the franchise did not pay instant dividends, however, as the Redskins finished the 2004 season with a record of 6 wins and 10 losses. Later on, Christie claimed he had bone spurs and was placed on the injured list after playing only a few games for the Magic. Near the end of the season, with a playoff-push faltering, Weisbrod fired Davis and promoted Chris Jent to become interim head coach. Snyder also expanded FedEx Field to a league-high capacity of 91,665 seats. Christie, because of his emotional ties to the Kings, at first refused to play for the Magic. For the 2004 season, Snyder successfully lured former coach Joe Gibbs away from NASCAR to return as head coach and team president.

First, Weisbrod traded Mobley for Doug Christie from the Sacramento Kings. After two mediocre years, Spurrier resigned after the 2003 season with three years left on his contract. After a promising 13-6 start, the Magic began to fall apart. The most controversial habits Snyder has practiced is the continuous hiring and firing of head coaches, first firing incumbent coach Norv Turner, firing replacement Marty Schottenheimer after only one season, and in 2002, hiring University of Florida head coach Steve Spurrier to replace Schottenheimer. Nelson, who most scouts speculated to be a top-10 pick, fell to the 20th pick, and the Magic traded a future first-round draft pick to the Denver Nuggets for Nelson. His son, John Kent Cooke, was unable to pay the death duties for the business, and the team was later sold to Daniel Snyder in a deal that was the most expensive in sporting history. Snyder, who grew up as a Redskins fan and who made his money in cable television, has made many controversial moves since owning the team. With the number one draft pick, the Magic selected high-school phenom Dwight Howard and traded for point guard Jameer Nelson. In 1997, Redskins owner Jack Kent Cooke died.

In addition, the Magic also acquired center Tony Battie and free agent Hedo Turkoglu. From 1961 to 1996 the Redskins played at D.C. Stadium, which was renamed RFK Stadium in 1969. The Magic traded McGrady to the Houston Rockets for Steve Francis, Kelvin Cato, and Cuttino Mobley. Also, the Redskins were the first team to have a fight song, "Hail to the Redskins.". McGrady, discontent with the Magic, wished to move on; Weisbrod accused McGrady of "slacking off" and not attending practices (McGrady later admitted that he did not give 100% percent during the 2003-2004 season). The Redskins' band predates the Colts franchise by about 15 years. The most significant trade was that of Tracy McGrady. The other is the Baltimore Ravens, who revived the band of the city's former NFL team, the Baltimore Colts.

Though he kept Davis at coach, he shook up the player roster, only keeping a few of the players from last season. The Redskins are one of only two teams in the NFL with an official marching band. In the offseason, Weisbrod dismantled the team. In what would prove to be a temporary retirement, Gibbs pursued an interest in NASCAR. In addition, general manager Gabriel was replaced by John Weisbrod. The next football season, on March 5th, 1993, Joe Gibbs retired after 12 years of coaching with the Redskins. In the middle of the 19-game losing streak, coach Doc Rivers was fired, and assistant Johnny Davis was promoted. The Redskins, the most dominant team in the NFL in the 1991 season, defeated the Buffalo Bills 37-24.

The Magic finished with a disappointing 21-61 record, the worst in the NBA. The Redskins won their latest Super Bowl on January 26, 1992, in Super Bowl XXVI in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After winning its first game, the Magic lost 19 consecutive games, setting a franchise record. Rookie running back Timmy Smith had a great performance as well, running for a Super-Bowl record 203 yards. Even with the acquisition of veterans Tyronn Lue and Juwan Howard, the Magic struggled early. This game is more famous for the stellar performance by quarterback Doug Williams who passed for four touchdowns in the second quarter en route to becoming the first black quarterback to lead his team to a Super Bowl victory. The Magic's 15th season in 2003-2004 proved to be one of its toughest ever. In this game, the Redskins routed the Denver Broncos 42-10 after starting the game in a 0-10 deficit, the largest come-from-behind victory in Super Bowl history.

Despite still not having Hill due to injury, the Magic entered the playoffs for the third straight year. However, after taking a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven first round series, the Magic faltered and fell to the Detroit Pistons 4-3 in a heartbreaker. The Redskins' second title was in Super Bowl XXII on January 31, 1988, in San Diego, California. In 2002-2003, with the acquisition of Gordon Giricek and Drew Gooden, T-Mac once again led the Magic to a 42-40 record. Future Hall of Famer John Riggins provided the game's signature play when, on 4th and 1, with the Redskins down 17-13 with 5 minutes left in the fourth quarter, he broke free for the then-longest run from scrimmage in Super Bowl history (43 yards). One touchdown later, the Redskins won their first NFL title in 40 years by a 27-17 score. However, the Magic were defeated 3-1 by the Charlotte Hornets (the team has since relocated, becoming the New Orleans Hornets). The first was Super Bowl XVII, where the Redskins defeated the Miami Dolphins 27-17 on January 30, 1983, in Pasedena, California. T-Mac, combined with Armstrong, Miller, and 3-point sharpshooter Pat Garrity, formed the core of the team that season. He coached the team to four Super Bowls, winning three of them.

Led once again by McGrady, nicknamed "T-Mac", Orlando once again posted a winning record, 44-38, in the 2001-2002 season. However, Hill was still severely limited by his ankle injury and did not play for the vast majority of the season. In 1981, Redskins owner Jack Kent Cooke signed the offensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers, Joe Gibbs, as their head coach. Miller won the Rookie of the Year that season. The Redskins reached the NFC Conference Championship in 1973, defeating Dallas 33-3, only to lose to the undefeated Miami Dolphins 14-7 in Super Bowl VII. With the addition of Mike Miller from the draft, the Magic compiled a 43-39 record, including a nine-game winning streak, that season, and entered the playoffs once again. Allen helped to foster the team's rivalry with the Dallas Cowboys, which has turned into one of the NFL's most famous rivalries. However, Hill was limited to 4 games because of an ankle injury. McGrady blossomed into a star during this season, becoming one of the NBA's top scorers. Two years later the team signed George Allen as their head coach.

Despite Duncan opting to remain with the San Antonio Spurs, the Magic gained Hill, a perenial All-Star, and McGrady. Also in 1969, long time owner, and President Emeritus, George Preston Marshall died. In the following offseason, Gabriel, with millions of cleared salary cap space, attempted to lure three of the NBA's most prized free agents: Tim Duncan, Grant Hill, and Tracy McGrady. Lombardi led the team to a 7-5-2 record, their best since 1955, but died of cancer after the season ended. This year was characterized by the slogan "Heart and Hustle", as the team was known for its hard-working style. In 1969, the Redskins hired future hall-of-famer Vince Lombardi — who gained fame coaching with the Green Bay Packers — to be their new head coach. At the end of the season Rivers was named Coach of the Year by the NBA. Even with the addition of Bobby Mitchell, the Redskins were still not performing up to expectations.

With a team with virtually no name players and little experience, Rivers and Armstrong, the team captain, led the Magic to a 41-41 record, barely out of the playoffs. Under threat of civil rights legal action by the Kennedy administration, the team became the final pro football franchise to integrate, in 1962 when the Redskins signed wide receiver Bobby Mitchell, a future hall-of-famer. Gabriel dismantled the previous team and acquired multiple future first round draft picks. Marshall continued to refuse to integrate the team, despite pressure from the Washington Post and the Federal Government (a typical comment by Post writer Shirley Povich was "Cleveland Browns runner Jim Brown integrated the Redskins' end zone"). In 1999, the Magic, under new General Manager John Gabriel, who was named Executive of the Year, acquired rookie-coach Doc Rivers. However, after Baugh's retirement, the Redskins began a slow decline. The 76ers, led by Allen Iverson, upset the Magic 3-1 in the first round. The team's early success endeared them to the fans of Washington, D.C.

In the playoffs, though, the Magic were seeded number 3 because of tiebreakers and faced the Philadelphia 76ers. Baugh also played numerous other positions, including cornerback and punter. In addition, Orlando also acquired brothers Dominique and Gerald Wilkins, who were past their primes but were still regarded as NBA greats. In an era where the forward pass was rare, the Redskins used it as their primary method of gaining yards. Armstrong again led the team emotionally, winning the NBA's Sixth-Man and Most Improved Player awards. They also signed an innovative rookie quarterback from Texas Christian University: future Pro Football Hall of Famer Sammy Baugh. In 1998-1999, with the acquisition of Matt Harping and Michael Doleac and a healthy Hardaway and Anderson, the Magic tied for the Eastern Conference's best record in the lockout-shortened season, 33-17. Upon making the move, the team instantly won a title.

Anderson, combined with newly acquired free agent Bo Outlaw, led the team to a respectable 41-41 record, just out of reach of the NBA playoffs. In addition, Rony Seikaly was traded before the season started to the New Jersey Nets for three role players and a future draft pick. in 1937. However, the season was hampered by injuries, as Hardaway sat out the majority of the season . The move to Fenway Park was unsuccessful and attendance was poor, so Marshall decided to move the team to Washington, D.C. In addition, Hall of Famer Julius Erving joined the Magic's front office, giving Orlando immense hope for a successful season. Both teams played at Braves Field until the Redskins moved to Fenway Park (home of the Boston Red Sox) in an attempt to boost attendance. The Magic hired Chuck Daly to be head coach for the 1997-1998 season. To help differentiate the two teams, Marshall changed the name of the football Braves to the Redskins.

In the middle of the season, though, urged by player discontent, management fired coach Brian Hill and named Richie Adubato as interim coach for the rest of the season. While in Boston, the team took the same name as one of the local baseball teams at the time, the Boston Braves. In the playoffs, the Magic stunned the favorites Miami Heat in the first round 3-2 after losing the first two games. On the heels of Marshall's entry to the National Football League, and evidently influenced by his racial policies, the other NFL teams dropped all black players in 1933 and none signed blacks again until 1946. However, the Magic still mananged to compile a 45-37 record, led by Hardaway, Darrell Armstrong, the team's emotional leader, and newly-acquired free agent Rony Seikaly. The city of Boston was awarded an NFL franchise in 1932, under the ownership of George Preston Marshall. In the offseason, in a huge blow to the Magic franchise, O'Neal left as a free agent to the Los Angeles Lakers. Buffalo Bills 37-24.

The combination of Jordan and rebounder Dennis Rodman was too much for the Magic, and Orlando was swept 4-0 in the Eastern Conference finals. Denver Broncos 42-10, XXVI (won) vs. In the playoffs, after the Magic defeated the Detroit Pistons and the Atlanta Hawks, Orlando met the Bulls in the Eastern Conference finals. Los Angeles Raiders 38-9, XXII (won) vs. However, the Magic were seeded number two, behind the amazing 72-10 record the Chicago Bulls accumulated under Michael Jordan. Miami Dolphins 27-17, XVIII (lost) vs. In the 1995-1996 season, the Magic again dominated the Eastern Conference and the Atlantic Division with a 60-22 record, led by O'Neal and Hardaway. Miami Dolphins 14-7, XVII (won) vs.

The Houston Rockets, though, ended Orlando's dream of a championship by sweeping Orlando 4-0 in the Fianls to take the crown. VII (lost) vs. In the playoffs, the Magic defeated the Boston Celtics, Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls, and the Indiana Pacers, advancing to the NBA Finals. League Championships: 1937, 1942; Super Bowl: 1982, 1987, 1991. However, in the 1994-1995 season, the Magic's sixth season, after acquiring rebounder Horace Grant as a free agent from the Chicago Bulls, Orlando compiled a 57-25 record, best in the East and winning the Atlantic Conference title. The Washington Redskins are a National Football League team whose team headquarters is based in Ashburn, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, D.C.. However, the underdog Pacers team swept the Magic 3-0 in the first round, thus ending the Magic's season. Doug Williams.

The Magic were in the playoffs for the first time, ranked the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Joe Theismann. With the lethal combination of O'Neal and Hardaway, the Magic became a dominant team in the NBA, compiling the first 50 win season in franchise history with a 50-32 record. Bruce Smith - Defensive end; the NFL's all-time leader in sacks. In the draft, the Magic selected Chris Webber, but traded him to the Golden State Warriors for the number three pick, guard Anfernee Hardaway (known as "Penny" Hardaway) and three future first-round draft picks. Ricky Sanders. In addition, despite having the NBA's best non-playoff record (and thereby the least chance of gaining the top draft pick), the Magic again landed the number one draft spot. Mark Rypien.

In the offseason, Guokas stepped down as head coach, and Brian Hill was promoted to become the Magic's second coach. Art Monk. However, the Magic missed that year's playoffs, because they were tied with the Indiana Pacers for the 8th (and final) playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and because the Pacers owned the tiebreaker. Brian Mitchell. The Magic again were the NBA's most improved franchise, and O'Neal garnered All-Star starter status and the Rookie of the Year award. Wilbur Marshall. O'Neal, a 7-1 center, made an immediate impact on the Magic, leading the club to a 41 - 41 record. Charles Mann.

With the first overall pick, the Magic selected big-man Shaquille O'Neal from Louisiana State University. Dexter Manley. The club's history was changed dramatically with the 1992 Draft. Chip Lohmiller. 1992 was a more disappointing season for the Magic, who finished with a 21 - 61 record. Hampered by injuries, the Magic had a then franchise-record 17 game losing streak. Jim Lachey. Combined with the fast-paced energy style of Skiles, who was named the NBA's Most Improved Player at the end of the season, the Magic heralded the NBA's most improved record that season. Joe Jacoby.

In the 1990 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic selected Dennis Scott with the fourth overall pick. Scott, known as a sharpshooter, helped the Magic compile a 31 - 51 record, still under Coach Guokas. Russ Grimm. The Magic's first victory came 2 days later, as the Magic pounded the New York Knicks 118- 110. Darrell Green. Despite playing a hard-fought game, the visiting New Jersey Nets won 111- 106. Brad Edwards. The club's first game was on November 4, 1989, at the Orlando O-Rena. Stephen Davis.

In the club's first draft in 1989, the Magic chose Nick Anderson with the 11th pick in the first round. Gary Clark. The inaugural team compiled a respectable 18-64 record with players including Reggie Theus, Scott Skiles (now current coach of the Chicago Bulls), Terry Catledge, Sam Vincent, Otis Smith, and Jerry Reynolds. Dave Butz. Led by former Philadelphia 76ers general manager Pat Williams, the Magic hired Matt Guokas as the team's first coach. Larry Brown. The Orlando Magic officially entered the NBA as an expansion franchise in 1989. Warrick Holdman - Ex-Bears and Browns linebacker.

The Orlando Magic are a National Basketball Association team based in Orlando, Florida. David Patten - A Superbowl winner with the New England Patriots. Magic Fan Message Board (http://magicmadness.us/). Casey Rabach. Orlando Magic Fan - News and rumors (http://www.orlandomagicfan.com/). Jason Campbell. AmIAnnoying.com - Orlando Magic (http://www.amiannoying.com/(tvzdgtiwcey31555j0cjsvff)/view.aspx?id=11520&collection=3069). Carlos Rogers - Cornerback; the team's first selection in the 2005 NFL Draft.

Magic Fan Hangout Message Board (http://www.ezekielbearsports.com/bbs/forumdisplay.php?f=25). Santana Moss. Official Summer Pro League web site for the Orlando Magic (http://www.summerproleague.com/). Marcus Washington - Made his first Pro Bowl in 2005. Orlando Magic official web site (http://www.nba.com/magic/). Sean Taylor - The team's first selection in the 2004 NFL Draft. Tom Sterner. Shawn Springs.

Randy Ayers. Chris Samuels - Former Pro Bowl offensive tackle. It is expected that at least one more will be hired.. Patrick Ramsey. Assistant Coaches: Note: Brian Hill has recently announced the following two assistant coaches. Clinton Portis - Speedy former Denver running back. Head Coach: Brian Hill. Jon Jansen.