SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The Orlando Magic officially announced Monday that Sean Sweeney will become their new head coach, following an agreement reached in principle the previous week.
The current associate head coach for the San Antonio Spurs will continue his duties with San Antonio until the NBA Finals conclude. Orlando plans to formally introduce Sweeney following the championship series between the Spurs and New York Knicks.
“We’re excited to welcome Sean to the Orlando Magic family,” said Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman. “Sean brings a tremendous work ethic and a high degree of intensity that set the tone for everything he does. Sean’s attention to detail and his ability to communicate and teach the game clearly stands out. He’s grounded in competitiveness and accountability, while also embracing a modern, creative approach to coaching.”
The 41-year-old coach takes over from Jamahl Mosley, who Orlando dismissed following five seasons that included three straight first-round playoff eliminations. Mosley subsequently joined the New Orleans Pelicans as their head coach.
Known as a defensive specialist, Sweeney has earned recognition as one of the NBA’s most promising young defensive minds. During his first year in San Antonio, he transformed the team’s previously struggling defense into one of the league’s strongest units, building his system around Victor Wembanyama, who earned unanimous Defensive Player of the Year honors this season.
Before joining San Antonio, Sweeney served four seasons as an assistant coach in Dallas. His coaching journey also includes stops with Detroit, Milwaukee and Brooklyn, where he began as a video coordinator when the franchise was still based in New Jersey.
The Minnesota-born coach played college basketball for one season at Green Bay before transferring to the University of St. Thomas, where he started for three years.
“Happy for Orlando, and happy for us as he’s in the Eastern Conference,” said Spurs coach Mitch Johnson last week.
