Former Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan has emerged as the perceived front-runner for the Orlando Magic’s head-coaching position, according to NBA executives cited by Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Fischer reported that Donovan has already spoken by phone with Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman and is expected to sit down for an in-person interview in the near future. Although no agreement is considered imminent, league sources told Fischer they believe Donovan has a strong chance of landing the job vacated when Orlando dismissed Jamahl Mosley.
Team officials are said to prefer a seasoned coach who can accelerate the development of a youthful roster, a profile Donovan meets after five seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder and the past four with the Bulls.
Jeff Van Gundy is also on Orlando’s radar, per Fischer and Marc Stein. Van Gundy has served as an assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers for the last two seasons after a lengthy break from head-coaching roles.
Despite speculation, Fischer noted that the Magic have not contacted former New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, who has been out of work since being let go last offseason.
Orlando also intends to interview San Antonio Spurs associate head coach Sean Sweeney. According to Fischer, Sweeney is likewise being considered for the vacancy in Chicago created by Donovan’s departure.
The searches in Orlando and Chicago are expected to continue in parallel as both franchises sort through their options.
Source: Hoops Wire
