Sean Sweeney Named New Head Coach of Orlando Magic

Sean Sweeney was introduced Thursday as the new head coach of the Orlando Magic, ending a search that culminated in the franchise selecting the 42-year-old veteran assistant after nearly three weeks of negotiations. Sweeney, who spent the last several years as associate head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, praised the Magic's thorough interview process, saying their detailed questioning and follow-up approach distinguished them from other NBA franchises seeking coaching talent.

The formal announcement was delayed until after the NBA Finals concluded, as Sweeney remained fully engaged with San Antonio's postseason run during the initial interview process. Magic President Jeff Weltman credited Sweeney's ability to compartmentalize his responsibilities with the Spurs while presenting effectively to Orlando's decision-makers. "In Sean Sweeney, we have somebody who, in our minds, has the potential to be one of the elite coaches in this league," Weltman said.

Sweeney replaces Jamahl Mosley, who was moved to the New Orleans Pelicans after five successful seasons with Orlando. The Magic targeted the coaching change despite three consecutive playoff appearances, citing consecutive first-round exits as motivation for new leadership. The franchise's young core, led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, avoided the total rebuild scenario that often confronts first-time head coaches.

Sweeney brings extensive NBA experience accumulated over roughly half his life as an assistant coach. His career spans positions with the New Jersey Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks, and San Antonio Spurs, along with earlier stops at community colleges and universities. He repeatedly credited influential coaches including Gregg Popovich, whom he worked alongside in San Antonio, as instrumental to his development. "Coach Pop's office was right next to mine and I was very fortunate," Sweeney said. "When you're next to a guy who's the greatest coach of all time daily, the fact that he even said hello and knew my name meant something to me."

In his first message to Magic players attending the introductory press conference, Sweeney emphasized his commitment to listening while establishing clear expectations for his tenure. The coach expressed confidence that Orlando represented the ideal opportunity for his first head coaching position, stating: "This is the only one I wanted to look at."