:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69567338/usa_today_10740169.0.jpg)
The Jamahl Mosley era is underway in Orlando.
The longtime Dallas Mavericks assistant coach reportedly is being hired by the Orlando Magic to be the franchise’s next head coach.
The Orlando Magic are hiring Dallas Mavericks assistant Jamahl Mosley as the new head coach, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Mosley is traveling to Orlando today as sides finalize terms.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 11, 2021
Mosley has agreed-in-principle to a four-year deal to become the Magic’s new head coach, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/3OHQmiwB52
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 11, 2021
The 42-year-old takes over a young Magic team embarking on yet another rebuild. With Mosley having been in charge of the Mavs’ defensive strategy for the last three seasons, the offensively-challenged Magic seem intent on reestablishing what was at one point a strong defensive identity under Steve Clifford.
Mosley has a reputation of being a players coach, which will be a shift from Clifford, who’s stern approach wasn’t exactly ideal for player development.
I absolutely love this video. Our guys are gonna love him, you can tell he knows how to connect with his team pic.twitter.com/kwjdaHhdXH
— ★ (@OmarMagic12) July 8, 2021
In addition to being a member of the Mavs’ coaching staff for seven seasons under Rick Carlisle, Mosley was an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2010 to 2014. He spent five seasons with the Denver Nuggets, the last three of which he served as an assistant coach with a focus on player development. His time in Denver overlapped with Jeff Weltman’s stint as Nuggets assistant general manager.
Josh Robbins of The Athletic reported the Magic had initial interest in Jason Kidd, Ime Udoka and Chauncey Billups before each landed the head coaching job with other teams. The Magic also interviewed Becky Hammon and Penny Hardaway.