Great news for Orlando Magic fans as the team and its third-year head coach Jamahl Mosley have agreed to a contract extension that will keep the coach in Orlando through the 2027-28 season.
Since hiring Mosley in 2021, the Magic have improved each season, going from 22-60 and 34-48 to 37-28 currently this season. His leadership has put the Magic in playoff contention as the team is on pace to make the postseason for the first time since 2020.
Mosley was an assistant coach in the NBA for 15 seasons with Denver, Cleveland and Dallas before getting the top job in Orlando. Three years later, he has the team at the top of the Southeast Division.
“Jamahl and his staff have done a tremendous job not only this season, but since we hired him back in 2021,” said Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman. “His preparation, work ethic, ability to connect with the players and passion he brings to the job every day brings positive results, both on the court and off. We are very happy to have Jamahl lead the Magic for years to come.”
It’s not often that Black coaches are afforded the opportunity or time to develop young teams. Fortunately, Orlando recognized his talents and gave him the time, support and players to improve.
Now he’s been rewarded for his efforts.
“It goes to the character,” said Mosley in an interview with The Associated Press. “When you talk about character, and care, and guys that get along and care for each other and communicate with each other the right way, it has nothing to do with basketball. Nothing. There’s a chemistry and camaraderie about this group that no matter what’s happening, they’re with each other. That’s why I had that feeling.
“You have the care factor, the character, and then they started to believe it,” Mosley added. “When you put all those pieces together, they’re going to find a way to pull for each other.”
Led by Mosley, first-year All-Star Paolo Banchero and rising star Franz Wagner, the Magic have never been below .500 this season and are now a team to contend with every night.
Congrats Coach Mosley!
