Magic Finalizing Agreement to Make Sean Sweeney Head Coach
magic-finalizing-agreement-to-make-sean-sweeney-head-coach
The Orlando Magic are close to hiring San Antonio Spurs associate head coach Sean Sweeney as their new head coach, according to multiple league sources. Shams Charania of ESPN first reported that the sides are putting the finishing touches on a deal.
Sweeney, 41, emerged from a finalist group that included Jeff Van Gundy and Billy Donovan, per Charania. Reports earlier in the day from Jake Fischer and Marc Stein indicated Orlando’s strong interest in the veteran assistant.
Coaching Journey
Sweeney began his NBA career in 2011 as a video coordinator with the Brooklyn Nets, became an assistant there in 2013, and followed Jason Kidd to Milwaukee the next year. He spent four seasons with the Bucks (2014–18), three with the Detroit Pistons (2018–21) and four alongside Kidd again with the Dallas Mavericks (2021–25).
Last offseason he joined Mitch Johnson’s staff in San Antonio as lead assistant and was elevated to associate head coach. Tasked with overseeing the defense, he guided the Spurs from 25th in defensive rating in 2024-25 to third in 2025-26.
Next Steps
Orlando dismissed Jamahl Mosley after three consecutive first-round playoff exits and initially explored candidates with previous head-coaching experience. Despite that search, the front office opted for another first-time head coach after meeting Sweeney in San Antonio during the Western Conference Finals, Stein reports.
The plan is for Sweeney to remain with the Spurs until their playoff run ends. He could shift to Orlando within days if San Antonio falls to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 on Saturday.
Market Interest
The Chicago Bulls also expressed interest in Sweeney, and he was connected to the New Orleans Pelicans job before the club chose Mosley. There was speculation Dallas might pursue a reunion, but no formal movement has surfaced.
Once the agreement is finalized, Orlando will become the third team to fill a vacancy this offseason, joining the Pelicans (Mosley) and Milwaukee Bucks (Taylor Jenkins). Head-coaching positions remain open in Chicago, Dallas, and Portland.
Source: HoopsRumors
