IMAGE VIA ORLANDO MAGIC
The Orlando Magic officially named Sean Sweeney as their new head coach on Monday, after the sides struck an agreement in principle last week.
The 41-year-old Sweeney, currently the associate head coach for the San Antonio Spurs, beat out Billy Donovan and Jeff Van Gundy for the job. He allegedly blew Orlando leadership away during his interview process, with Shams Charania reporting that Sweeney clinched the job in a meeting on Wednesday.
Sweeney will remain with the Spurs through the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks before being formally introduced by the Magic.
Sweeney has experience working with superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, Luka Doncic in Dallas, and Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio. The specific reason Orlando chose him over more established names was his defensive impact: under Sweeney’s influence, the Spurs made a 28-game improvement this season while jumping from 25th to third in defensive efficiency.
Sweeney replaces Jamahl Mosley, who was let go after five seasons and three consecutive first-round playoff exits. Mosley has since been hired as head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans.
He inherits a Magic team built to contend in the Eastern Conference with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane, and Jalen Suggs. The Magic lost in the first round this year after blowing a 3-1 series lead to Detroit, with Wagner suffering a calf injury in Game 4 that effectively ended their season.
“Sean brings a tremendous work ethic and a high degree of intensity,” said Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman. “He’s grounded in competitiveness and accountability, while also embracing a modern, competitive approach to coaching.”
