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Sean Sweeney hired as Magic coach, will join team after NBA Finals

Sean Sweeney (right) created a defense in San Antonio that was centered around star big man Victor Wembanyama.

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SAN ANTONIO (AP)

— Sean Sweeney was formally named coach of the Orlando Magic on Monday after the sides struck an agreement in principle last week.

Sweeney, the associate head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, will remain with that team through the conclusion of the NBA Finals. The Magic will introduce Sweeney at some point after the finals between the Spurs and New York Knicks.

“We’re excited to welcome Sean to the Orlando Magic family,” Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman said. “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.”

OFFICIAL: Sean Sweeney has been named head coach of the Orlando Magic, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today.

He becomes the 16th head coach in franchise history.

Welcome to Orlando, Coach Sweeney!

https://t.co/BXAyEfjCCR

pic.twitter.com/hc5x1rtmyT

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic)

June 1, 2026

The 41-year-old Sweeney will replace Jamahl Mosley,

who was let go

by the Magic after five seasons and three consecutive first-round playoff exits. Mosley has since been hired as coach of the New Orleans Pelicans.

Sweeney is a defensive guru, widely considered one of the brightest young coaches in the league on that side of the ball. In his lone season with the Spurs, he turned what was a porous defense a year ago into one of the league’s most airtight — his scheme centered around Victor Wembanyama, the unanimous winner of the

Kia Defensive Player of the Year award

this season.

Sweeney will join the Magic after one season with the Spurs. He spent the previous four seasons as an assistant in Dallas, and had past stints on the staffs of Detroit, Milwaukee and Brooklyn – actually starting with the Nets as a video coordinator when the team was in New Jersey.

The Minnesota native played one season at Green Bay before transferring to the University of St. Thomas, where he was a three-year starter.

“Happy for Orlando, and happy for us as he’s in the Eastern Conference,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said last week.

NBANBA FinalsOrlando MagicSan Antonio SpursNew York KnicksCoach ChangeVictor Wembanyama