Jamahl Mosley Fired by Magic After Blowing 3-1 Series Lead vs. Pistons, Latest on New HC Search
After rumors that Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley was a candidate to be fired this offseason, he's officially out of a job.
The Magic dismissed Mosley on Monday after five seasons. ESPN's Shams Charania first reported the news and added that Magic president Jeff Weltman will lead the team's search for the next head coach. Weltman had been signed to a contract extension during the regular season, so his job is safe.
"We're grateful to Jamahl (Mosley) for all he's done for the Orlando Magic," said Weltman. "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."
Mosley led Orlando to two Southeast Division titles and three straight playoff appearances, but the team never made it out of the first round. The Magic lost to the Detroit Pistons in Game 7 on Sunday after blowing a 3-1 series lead.
NBA insider Jake Fischer previously reported that the Magic were a team that "many around the league have circled for a possible coaching change," and that has now come to fruition. He also noted that Mosley would draw interest from the New Orleans Pelicans if he hit the open market.
The Magic struggled to find consistency throughout the 2025-26 season on their way to finishing with a 45-37 record. The team's successes were frequently followed by major missteps, such as when it put together a seven-game win streak in March only to lose its next six outings. Orlando finished as the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference and gave top-seeded Detroit a tough test before being eliminated.
The Magic had to operate without star wing Franz Wagner for most of the season, as he was limited to 34 games. Star forward Paolo Banchero and veteran guard Desmond Bane helped keep the team afloat, but it wasn't enough to make a run in the postseason.
Now, the Magic will try to find a new head coach to replace Mosley and lead their talented roster to new heights in 2026-27 and beyond.
