Billy Donovan, Magic's HC Opening Discussed in New NBA Rumors After Jamahl Mosley Firing

Former Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan "has long been pegged as a possible replacement" for the Orlando Magic once they dismissed Jamahl Mosley, according to The Athletic's Sam Amick.

"There was no immediate clarity as to whether Orlando plans to pursue him, though, with some league sources wondering whether his history with the organization might be seen internally as a reason to go in a different direction," Amick wrote.

Donovan famously accepted the job during the 2007 offseason before having second thoughts and returning to Florida.

Orlando's front office has turned over since then, so president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman and general manager Anthony Parker weren't the ones who got burned. The DeVos family is still in charge, though. A residual feeling toward Donovan at the ownership level could remain.

The Magic are only just starting their coaching search after moving on from Mosley on Monday. The candidate pool is bound to expand beyond just Donovan as the process unfolds.

Orlando ultimately may not be at the front of the line for the 60-year-old, either. Amick reported the New York Knicks could enter the race if they fire Mike Brown.

Weltman and Parker should be able to make a compelling sales pitch to prospective targets.

The Magic have made three straight playoff appearances and are built around a young core that hasn't hit its ceiling yet. Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane and Franz Wagner all averaged 20-plus points, though injuries limited Wagner to 34 appearances.

3 Offseason Moves For Magic

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The state of Orlando's roster could be a double-edged sword for some, however. The franchise is flirting with the second apron of the luxury tax in 2026-27, so a new coach will have difficulty making changes to the squad.

Whoever gets hired will presumably be on the same page with the front office in terms of who's a key piece and who might be expendable if a trade pathway opens.