NEW ORLEANS — A source familiar with the decision confirms the New Orleans Pelicans have selected Jamahl Mosley, the recently dismissed Orlando Magic coach, to lead their franchise, effectively ending James Borrego’s opportunity to secure the position permanently after serving as interim coach.
The source requested anonymity as the team has not yet made an official announcement regarding the hiring.
Mosley arrives in New Orleans following his departure from Orlando, where he coached for five years before being let go this month. His tenure with the Magic concluded after a devastating first-round playoff defeat to the Detroit Pistons, during which Orlando surrendered a 3-1 series advantage and squandered a 24-point advantage in the decisive seventh game.
During his time with Orlando, Mosley compiled a record of 189-221. Under his leadership, the Magic reached the NBA playoffs three consecutive years and captured the Southeast Division title twice, though they were ousted in the opening round each time.
Borrego stepped into the interim role for 70 games after taking control of a struggling 2-10 squad following Willie Green’s dismissal.
This marked Borrego’s second interim assignment and third overall opportunity to helm a coaching staff. He finished with a 24-46 record with the Pelicans, who failed to reach the postseason for consecutive years.
Prior to his New Orleans stint, Borrego coached the Charlotte Hornets from 2018 through 2022. His Charlotte squads secured Eastern Conference play-in tournament berths in both 2021 and 2022 but failed to advance to the actual NBA playoffs either year.
Following the conclusion of the 2025-26 regular season, Borrego expressed his desire to retain the Pelicans’ coaching position permanently and voiced confidence that a complete offseason would enable him to build a more competitive team.
Pelicans basketball operations chief Joe Dumars acknowledged Borrego as a legitimate candidate while noting his intention to explore options “outside the building” for the coaching vacancy.
With this hire, Mosley becomes the franchise’s third coach since Dumars assumed the role of executive vice president of basketball operations prior to last season.
Dumars’ choice to bring in Mosley provides the organization with a seasoned coach to guide a roster that added two first-round selections in the 2025 NBA Draft — guard Jeremiah Fears and forward Derik Queen — to complement existing stars forward Zion Williamson, wing Trey Murphy and guard Dejounte Murray.
Mosley emerged as the top choice among several candidates Dumars evaluated, including former player Rajon Rondo, Brooklyn Nets assistant Steve Hetzel, and former Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham, who currently serves as a senior assistant with Milwaukee. San Antonio Spurs assistant Sean Sweeney was also reportedly in consideration.
Prior to accepting his first head coaching opportunity with Orlando, Mosley served seven seasons as a key assistant under then-Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle, a period that coincided with developing Luka Doncic, who launched his NBA career in Dallas before moving to the Los Angeles Lakers via trade.
Before his Dallas tenure, Mosley worked with the Cleveland Cavaliers for four seasons.
Though Mosley never competed in the NBA as a player despite being a standout at Colorado, he played professionally across Australia, Europe and Asia before launching his NBA career in player development and scouting with Denver in 2005.
