New Frontrunner for Orlando Magic Coaching Gig

Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Orlando Magic have narrowed their coaching search down to one frontrunner.

The Orlando Magic are closing in on Dallas Mavericks assistant Jamahl Mosley and he’s emerged as the strong frontrunner to become the franchise’s next head coach, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 8, 2021

Jamahl Mosley has been an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks. 

According to Woj, sources said Mosley's strong player development and relationship-building are the attributes that have put him top of the class for Orlando. Denver assistant Wes Unseld Jr. was the other finalist for the job, though he is also a strong candidate for the Washington Wizards' vacancy.

Mosley has been a Mavs assistant for 7 years. Woj recounts the story that after a game this season in which Mosley filled in for a quarantined head coach Rick Carlisle, Luka Doncic told the media, "He's got the things needed for a head coach."

If he is named Magic head coach, he'll be putting those player development skills to the test, as the team is just beginning a full rebuild. 

Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports