The Orlando Magic have fired head coach Jamahl Mosley, the team announced Monday.
Mosley became the team’s head coach in 2021, and he had led the team to the playoffs the last three seasons, but the Magic never got out of the first round, including this season, when the team blew a 3-1 lead and would lose to the Pistons after getting routed in Game 7 on Sunday. ]
“We’re grateful to Jamahl (Mosley) for all he’s done for the Orlando Magic,” said Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman in a statement. “We appreciate his leadership and the positive contributions he made as head coach. While this was a difficult decision, we feel it’s time for a new voice and fresh perspective. We wish Jamahl and his family nothing but the best.”
In a statement to ESPN, Mosley said the following:
“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 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.”
During his five seasons in Orlando, the Magic compiled a regular-season record of 189-221. Orlando went 45-37 this season and was the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Magic had high expectations coming into this season after the acquisition of Desmond Bane, but with injuries to Franz Wagner, this team never found a rhythm, and ultimately, that cost Mosley his job.
With Paolo Banchero, Wagner, and Bane, this is a good job for any incoming coach. The future is still bright for Orlando, and maybe the next coach can be the missing piece.
