Orlando courted Jackson

For the last few days, Phil Jackson was interested in the possibility of joining the Magic’s front office, the Orlando Sentinel reported Friday.

But he had bowed out late Thursday afternoon, according to the paper.

According to the Sentinel, Magic Chief Executive Alex Martins was formally presented Wednesday with a scenario involving Jackson by Sam Vincent, who played for the Magic and Jackson.

“It drew some interest from Phil,” Vincent said. “But in the end, Phil decided to go with another opportunity.”

Jackson may be headed back to the NBA in some capacity, but he pulled out of the Orlando offer before Martins had a chance to run it by Magic owner Rich DeVos. Martins learned of Jackson’s exit Thursday, but would not comment.

Vincent said Jackson gave him the impression that he doesn’t want to coach anymore. But the Magic scenario would have involved Jackson as either the team president/general manager or in a consulting role.

Vincent said that Jackson, 66, was intrigued enough by the idea that Vincent and another intermediary were preparing to fly to Jackson’s home in Montana to speak with him.

And, if the talks went well, they would next approach Howard.

Vincent was excited early Thursday afternoon before learning that Jackson had passed on the opportunity to come to Orlando.