Heading into the playoffs, the Orlando Magic were headed in with so little momentum around the team. After NBA pundits expected them to be a top-four team in the East, they limped in as an eight-seed. It was surprising that they won the second play-in game to qualify for the postseason.
Before the Magic took on the Detroit Pistons in the first round, it was widely expected that they would fire head coach Jamahl Mosley once they were eliminated. That narrative changed after Orlando took a 3-1 lead. It looked like they were about to knock out the number-one seed.
Then, the Magic blew a 3-1 lead. Now, the Magic have decided on Mosley’s future with the franchise.
GettyOrlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley reacts in a game against the Pistons. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Orlando Magic Fire Jamahl Mosley
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Magic have parted ways with Mosley. Mosley led the Magic to the playoffs three consecutive years, but his teams were eliminated in the first round every year. Now, he is looking for a new job just a day after losing Game 7 in Detroit.
Orlando’s head coaching search will be led by Jeff Weltman, who is the president of the team. He just signed a contract extension earlier this year. There have been some reports that he is particularly fond of a college coach. Marc Stein reported he likes Michigan head coach Dusty May.
Billy Donovan has also been floated as a possible head coaching candidate. Donovan actually briefly took the job in Orlando back in June of 2007 before backing out and returning to coach the Florida Gators. He would be a natural fit to coach the Magic, especially with how young the team is.
Mosley had to know that this was coming once his team missed 23 straight shots in Game 6. That was their best shot to eliminate the Pistons, but they were not able to close out Detroit after being up by 20+ points. Now, a new coach will be brought in to solve their offensive woes.
GettyOrlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley yells during a game against the Pistons. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
A New Coach Won’t Solve Orlando’s Problems
While a new coach was probably needed, the Orlando Magic can’t solve all of their problems with a coaching change. They still have an issue with the personnel on the team. Injuries continue to plague the Magic every year when the playoffs roll around.
Franz Wagner missed the last three games of the first-round series against the Pistons. He has struggled to stay healthy over the last few years. Jalen Suggs has had injury problems of his own. So has Paolo Banchero. Simply put, the team is too injury-prone to contend.
During the regular season, Orlando ranked just 18th in offense. Getting the right personnel to change that will be the key to the Magic contending in the postseason. They will have to do that via trades, as their financial situation will make it tough for them to sign free agents.
Orlando Magic Make Decision on Jamahl Mosley After Blowing First-Round Series