The New Orleans Pelicans have discovered their subsequent head coach, hiring Jamahl Mosley to guide the franchise on a five-year contract after his profitable run with the Orlando Magic.
NBA insider Shams Charania reported the information Monday, writing: “BREAKING: The New Orleans Pelicans are hiring Jamahl Mosley because the franchise’s new head coach on a five-year contract, sources inform ESPN.”
Mosley arrives in New Orleans after spending 5 seasons with Orlando, the place he helped information the Magic from a rebuilding workforce right into a constant playoff contender within the Jap Convention.
Charania added: “Mosley accepts the Pelicans job after 5 seasons in Orlando the place he guided the Magic to 3 consecutive playoff berths.”
The teaching transfer comes after a troublesome 2025-26 season for New Orleans. The Pelicans completed 26-56 and missed the postseason regardless of having a roster constructed round Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray and Herb Jones.
Murphy led the workforce in scoring at 21.5 factors per recreation whereas Williamson averaged 21.0 factors on 60.0% capturing throughout 62 appearances. New Orleans nonetheless struggled defensively and ended the yr close to the underside of the Western Convention standings.
That defensive id is one cause the group focused Mosley rapidly after his departure from Orlando.
Based on Charania, “The Pelicans consider the franchise is at a degree just like Mosley’s management and improvement plan when he took over the rebuilding Magic in 2021 after a 21-win season.”
The report additionally detailed how aggressively New Orleans pursued the veteran coach as soon as he grew to become accessible.
“Sources stated prime Pelicans officers maintained constant communication with Mosley since he was dismissed by the Magic on Could 4 and the edges formally met in individual final week on the NBA draft mix in Chicago,” Charania wrote.
Mosley constructed his repute in Orlando round participant improvement and defensive construction. Below his management, the Magic grew to become one of many NBA’s prime defensive groups over the past two seasons.
Charania famous: “In Orlando, Mosley constructed groups anchored by sturdy defenses, with the Magic ranked No. 3 total in 2023-24 and No. 2 total in 2024-25.”
That strategy might match a Pelicans roster that already options a number of sturdy perimeter defenders. Jones stays one of many league’s prime wing defenders, whereas Murray and Alvarado convey strain on the level of assault.
The bigger query will middle on well being and offensive consistency. Williamson performed 62 video games this season, one of many higher availability marks of his profession, however New Orleans nonetheless lacked continuity all year long.
Mosley now takes over a roster with confirmed scoring expertise, younger rotation items and front-office strain to return to playoff competition rapidly in a loaded Western Convention.
