The Orlando Magic parted ways with head coach Jamahl Mosley after a third consecutive first-round playoff exit.
However, it might not take Mosley too long to land on his feet elsewhere. He could quickly find himself getting another opportunity elsewhere, perhaps with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Pelicans Named Top Landing Spot For Jamahl Mosley After Split from Magic
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – APRIL 29: Head coach Jamahl Mosley of the Orlando Magic reacts during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons in Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on April 29, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Pelicans were recently listed as a top potential landing spot for Mosley by Bleacher Report’s Doric Sam. The Pelicans are on the hunt for a new head coach after parting ways with Willie Green in November.
Mosley’s penchant for player development was cited by Sam as a main reason why Mosley might be an intriguing option for New Orleans.
“The Pelicans have a young roster led by recent lottery picks Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears and 2019 No. 1 pick Zion Williamson. … During his time in Orlando, Mosley showed that he can bring the best out of a young group of players. He also developed 2022 No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero into a budding star, so he should be able to help revitalize Williamson’s disappointing career,” Sam wrote.
“The Pelicans’ 2026 first-round pick belongs to the Atlanta Hawks, so they will have to look elsewhere to add talent to their roster. Still, if New Orleans lands Mosley, the team will have a better chance to emerge as a potential playoff contender next season.”
Pelicans Are One of the Only Teams in Need of a New Head Coach
GettyORLANDO, FLORIDA – MARCH 1: Head coach Jamahl Mosley of the Orlando Magic watches the last minutes of the game against the Detroit Pistons at the Kia Center on March 1, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Getty Images)
If they are indeed interested, the Pelicans likely wouldn’t face too much competition for Mosley this offseason, just because there aren’t many other openings around the league. The Chicago Bulls are the only other team in the NBA currently searching for a new head coach (other than the Magic, who probably won’t try to hire Mosley back immediately after firing him).
So, those are the only two options for Mosley if he wants to be back on the sideline next season, unless any of the teams still in the postseason decide to make a change when their season comes to an end.
There’s also always the chance that Mosley will want to take a year off before jumping directly back into a head coaching position. If not though, the Pelicans could prove to be his most attractive option.
New Orleans Pelicans Named Top Landing Spot for Freshly Fired NBA Head Coach