Dwight Howard has called for the firing of Stan Van Gundy since the summer of 2011, according to a source close to the coach.

“The organization has allowed Dwight to set up the coach,” a league source close to management and the coach said. “They have to have a reason to blame someone. If they win, and he gets fired, everyone will know it’s on the player. Losing gives everyone the out when the season’s over, especially Howard.”

Van Gundy confirmed to reporters on Thursday that he had been told by Orlando management that Howard wants him fired.