Magic president Jeff Weltman outlines process for head-coaching search

TL;DR

Orlando Magic president Jeff Weltman announced the immediate search for a new head coach after firing Jamahl Mosley, who led the team to three playoff appearances but was dismissed following a first-round exit.

Key points

Orlando Magic president Jeff Weltman announced a head coach search
Jamahl Mosley was fired after a playoff exit
Mosley had a record of 189-221 in five years
The team lost to the Detroit Pistons after leading the series 3-1

Mentioned in this story

Jamahl MosleyJeff Weltman

Orlando MagicDallas MavericksDetroit Pistons

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando Magic president Jeff Weltman said the organization will begin its search for a new head coach immediately after dismissing Jamahl Mosley on Monday, following a third straight exit in the first round of the playoffs.

Mosley was named the 15th head coach in franchise history in July 2021 after a seven-year stint as an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks. He guided the team to a regular-season record of 189-221 (.461) in five years, including three playoff appearances.

The decision to fire Mosley came after the No. 8 seed Magic lost to the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in Game 7 on Sunday, squandering a 3-1 series lead and a chance to advance to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in 16 years.

“It has been an incredible five-plus years, and this organization and city will always mean so much to me and my family," Mosley said in a statement. "In my heart, I truly hope that during our time here, we were able to impact the players, staff and the Magic organization in a meaningful and lasting way. I want to sincerely thank the DeVos family for the extraordinary opportunity to serve as head coach of the Orlando Magic. To our fans, there is nothing but love in my heart. The joy I had coaching this team, in this city, for the people who live here is something I will never forget. All I ever wanted was to make you proud to be Magic fans, and my journey here will certainly stay with me forever.”

The Magic appeared poised to win their first playoff series since 2010 and become just the seventh eighth seed in history to upset a No. 1 seed, following their victory in Game 4. After all, only 14 teams in history had ever come back from a 3-1 series deficit.

Instead, the group dropped its next three games after losing Franz Wagner to a calf strain near the end of the third quarter of that victory on April 27. Wagner, their third-leading scorer this postseason and perhaps their top perimeter defender, wouldn't play again.

Included in that losing streak was a historic collapse in Game 6 on Friday at the Kia Center. After building a 24-point lead early in the third quarter, they missed 23 consecutive field goals and were outscored 55-19 in the second half, including 31-8 in the final frame.

Q&A

Why was Jamahl Mosley fired as head coach of the Orlando Magic?

Jamahl Mosley was fired after the Magic lost to the Detroit Pistons in Game 7, despite having a 3-1 series lead, marking a third consecutive first-round playoff exit.

What was Jamahl Mosley's coaching record with the Orlando Magic?

Jamahl Mosley had a coaching record of 189-221 (.461) over five years with the Orlando Magic, including three playoff appearances.

Who will the Orlando Magic consider for their head coaching position?

The Orlando Magic have not specified candidates yet, but they will begin their search for a new head coach immediately following Mosley's dismissal.

What impact did Jamahl Mosley have on the Orlando Magic during his tenure?

Mosley expressed hope that he positively impacted the players and staff during his five-plus years with the organization, emphasizing his love for the team and its fans.