Stan Van Gundy confirmed a report that Dwight Howard has asked for him to be fired as head coach of the Magic.

"I was told it was true by people in our management," Van Gundy said.

"They haven't told me anything," Van Gundy said of Orlando management, "and they don't need to. I'm the coach right now, and I'm the coach until they decide I'm not the coach. It's 12:02 right now. If they want to fire me at 12:05, I'll go home and find something to do. I'll have a good day."

Van Gundy confirmed a WKMG-TV report that Howard is pushing for him to be fired.

Howard appeared taken aback when informed of Van Gundy's disclosure.

"Whatever happens at the end of the season is not under my control. I am a player for the Magic. I am not the GM. I am not (owner) Rich DeVos. I am not (president) Alex Martins. That is not my job. ... I haven't said anything to anybody about anything.

"I woke up just like you did yesterday, and I saw all of a sudden I want Stan out of here. Why would I want Stan to be fired with 12 games left in the season? Who's going to be the coach?"