Pelicans hire Jamahl Mosley as new head coach on 5-year deal

The New Orleans Pelicans have hired Jamahl Mosley as their new head coach, according to a person with knowledge of the decision. The move ends the interim tenure of James Borrego and brings a new leader to a franchise seeking a return to postseason contention.

Mosley, who was dismissed by the Orlando Magic earlier this month, has agreed to a five-year contract with the Pelicans. The decision was finalized after team officials maintained consistent communication with Mosley following his departure from Orlando and held formal meetings with him last week.

The Pelicans view their current stage of development as similar to where the Magic were when they hired Mosley five years ago, and believe he is the coach to guide them into the playoffs. New Orleans has qualified for the postseason only twice in the last eight seasons.

Mosley compiled a 189-221 record over five seasons with the Magic, leading the team to the NBA playoffs in each of the past three years and winning the Southeast Division twice. However, his tenure ended after Orlando lost a first-round playoff series to the Detroit Pistons despite holding a 3-1 series lead.

Borrego served as the Pelicans' interim coach for 70 games...