By Alex Molina / info@eurohoops.net
According to Shams Charania, the New Orleans Pelicans have reached an agreement with Jamahl Mosley to become the franchise’s new head coach on a five-year contract.
Mosley arrives in New Orleans after spending five seasons with the Orlando Magic, where he helped guide the organization through a rebuilding phase and into three consecutive playoff appearances despite several injury-riddled campaigns.
The Magic parted ways with Mosley earlier this month following their first-round playoff exit against the Detroit Pistons. Orlando had surrendered a 3-1 series lead before losing Game 7, a result that ultimately led to the organization making a coaching change.
Following his departure, Mosley quickly emerged as one of the top names on the coaching market, with the Pelicans aggressively pursuing him as their preferred candidate. Reports indicate that team executives remained in regular contact with Mosley and his representatives before holding formal in-person meetings during the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.
Pelicans executive vice president Joe Dumars reportedly conducted an extensive search process that included discussions with several notable candidates, including Darvin Ham, Rajon Rondo, Steve Hetzel and interim coach James Borrego.
New Orleans views Mosley as an ideal fit for a roster that blends promising young talent with established veterans. The team is hoping he can replicate the developmental success he achieved in Orlando, where the Magic steadily improved year after year under his leadership.
The 47-year-old coach finished second in NBA Coach of the Year voting during the 2023-24 season and leaves Orlando with 189 regular-season victories, the third-highest total in franchise history. Under Mosley, the Magic also became known for their defensive identity, ranking among the league’s elite defensive teams over multiple seasons.
In New Orleans, Mosley will inherit a core featuring young players such as Derik Queen, Jeremiah Fears and Yves Missi, alongside experienced names including Zion Williamson, Jordan Poole, Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III.
The Pelicans are coming off a disappointing 26-56 season and currently hold only the No. 58 overall pick in next month’s NBA Draft after previously trading away their first-round selection in a move tied to acquiring Queen.