Magic dismiss Mosley after Pistons rally from 3-1 deficit
The Orlando Magic fired head coach Jamahl Mosley on Monday following their first-round playoff elimination by the Detroit Pistons. Orlando squandered a 3-1 series lead against the top-seeded Pistons, including a 24-point advantage that vanished in one home game and 23 straight misses in Game 6.
Mosley assumed the role before the 2021-22 season after 14 years as an assistant with the Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks. Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman said, "We’re grateful to Jamahl for all he’s done for the Orlando Magic. 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 compiled a 189-221 record with Orlando across three playoff appearances, none advancing past the first round. He placed second in 2024 NBA Coach of the Year voting after guiding the team to 47-35 following a 34-win 2022-23 campaign and ranks third in franchise victories behind Brian Hill (267) and Stan Van Gundy (259).
The franchise retains a young core of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Desmond Bane, all under contract. Mosley reflected, "It’s been (an) absolutely amazing journey with these guys. Their ability to grow, communicate ... we’re going to fight until the final horn goes off. And that’s what you’ve seen for a majority of the five years."
