The New Orleans Pelicans have found their next head coach less than two weeks after Jamahl Mosley was dismissed by the Orlando Magic, officially hiring the veteran coach to lead the franchise through its latest rebuild phase.
According to ESPN, Mosley agreed to a five-year deal with New Orleans after emerging as the organization’s top target following his May 4 exit from Orlando.
The move immediately puts one of the league’s most respected developmental coaches in charge of a Pelicans roster that blends young talent with established stars, including Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, Jordan Poole, and Trey Murphy III.
New Orleans is also banking on the growth of younger players like Derik Queen and Yves Missi after a disappointing 26–56 finish this past season.
Pelicans executive vice president Joe Dumars said the organization viewed Mosley as a culture-setting hire rather than a short-term fix.
“Jamahl has earned tremendous respect across the NBA for his leadership, professionalism, and the strong relationships he develops with players and staff,” Dumars said in a statement.
He also pointed to Mosley’s track record with young players and the defensive identity his teams consistently established in Orlando.
That résumé became a major selling point during the hiring process. Sources said New Orleans maintained contact with Mosley and his representation almost immediately after his departure from the Magic became official. Team officials reportedly met with him in person during the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago before finalizing the agreement.
The Pelicans also explored candidates, including Rajon Rondo, Darvin Ham, and interim coach James Borrego, before ultimately landing on Mosley.
The hiring comes after a turbulent ending to Mosley’s otherwise successful run in Orlando. Although the Magic reached the playoffs in three consecutive seasons under his leadership, the organization moved on after the team collapsed against the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the 2026 playoffs, blowing a 3–1 series lead.
Mosley’s tenure in Orlando was defined by defensive toughness and player development. The Magic ranked among the NBA’s best defensive teams during multiple seasons under his watch, even while navigating injuries to key players like Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs.
He also finished second in Coach of the Year voting during the 2023–24 season and leaves Orlando with the third-most regular-season wins in franchise history.
