Word from ESPN’s Shams Charania on Monday indicates that Jamahl Mosley is poised to become the New Orleans Pelicans’ new head coach. Mosley previously served five seasons guiding the Orlando Magic, achieving a 189-221 win-loss record during his tenure.
This coaching appointment for Mosley follows several months after the Pelicans dismissed their previous head coach, Willie Green. Green’s termination occurred in November when the squad held a meager 2-10 standing, making him the initial head coach relieved of duties in the 2025-26 NBA campaign.
Initially, James Borrego, formerly of the Charlotte Hornets, stepped in for Green as an interim leader. Borrego guided the team to a 24-46 outcome for the remainder of the period and was perceived as a potential permanent head coach after the conclusion of the season.
Nevertheless, the organization chose an alternative path once Mosley became available. The 47-year-old Mosley had been let go by the Magic in May, following his team’s squandering of a 3-1 advantage against the Detroit Pistons in the initial round of the postseason.
This change concluded Mosley’s half-decade tenure with the Magic. Despite an unpromising beginning in Orlando, Mosley succeeded in guiding the squad to playoff berths in the most recent three seasons. However, the team consistently failed to progress beyond the first round annually, culminating in Mosley’s departure. Across five regular seasons with the team, he compiled a 189-221 record, and the team registered a 7-12 playoff performance under his guidance.
Through this appointment, the Pelicans may be aiming for Mosley to replicate the achievements he garnered in Orlando. Mosley joined the Magic when the team had just completed a dismal 21-51 season. The Pelicans’ recent performance wasn’t significantly superior, ending last year with a 26-56 record.
Mosley required a two-year period to transform the Magic into a victorious squad. Orlando posted a 56-108 record during his initial two years at the helm, subsequently elevating to 133-113 throughout his concluding three seasons.
A crucial component of that resurgence stemmed from several impactful draft selections. Prior to Mosley’s inaugural year, the franchise picked Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs. Before his sophomore season, the Magic utilized the No. 1 overall pick to secure future star Pablo Banchero. These three athletes continue to be vital players for the Magic presently, contributing substantially to the team’s evolution into a successful entity.
The Pelicans will face significant hurdles if they intend to mirror that developmental trajectory. New Orleans lacks a first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, having traded it in the previous year. The organization possesses only a single choice in the approaching draft, which is the 58th overall selection.
