Orlando Magic name Spurs associate Sean Sweeney head coach

The Orlando Magic have reached an agreement to hire San Antonio Spurs associate head coach Sean Sweeney as their new head coach, according to multiple reports. The deal is expected to be finalized once the Spurs' playoff run concludes.

Sweeney, 41, will replace Jamahl Mosley, who was dismissed by the Magic on May 4 after five seasons. Mosley has since been hired as head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans. The Magic's decision followed a first-round playoff exit where the team lost a 3-1 series lead to the Detroit Pistons, marking their third consecutive first-round postseason elimination.

The coaching search reportedly included several finalists, including former Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan and Los Angeles Clippers assistant Jeff Van Gundy. However, Sweeney emerged as the organization's choice after an interview process that reportedly impressed Magic executives and ownership.

Sweeney is widely regarded as a defensive specialist. In his lone season with the Spurs, he oversaw a dramatic defensive turnaround, with San Antonio improving from 25th in defensive efficiency last season to third in the NBA this year. The Spurs posted a 62-20 record, tied for the third-best in...