The Orlando Magic rumors became reality Monday morning. After blowing a 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series against the 1-seed Detroit Pistons and being eliminated from the postseason on Sunday, the organization fired head coach Jamahl Mosley.
There has been speculation for months that the 47-year-old was on thin ice. Winning the series would have almost sealed the comeback. However, not only did the Magic blow a 3–1 lead, they were eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs for the third consecutive year. This was the last straw for management, and Mosley is out after posting a 189–221 record and reaching the postseason three times during his five seasons in Orlando.
With the Magic now looking for a new head coach, we present six replacement options, including the head coach of college basketball's defending champions.
billy donovan
What many new NBA fans may not realize is that the former Oklahoma City Thunder and Chicago Bulls head coach actually accepted the job as head coach of the Magic in 2007. However, he surprisingly backed out of the agreement to stay in Florida and remained there for eight more seasons before moving to the NBA.
However, after stepping down as Bulls coach last month, he is back on the market and would be an interesting option. While his time in Chicago was mostly disappointing, he had good success in OKC and became a legend in the college ranks after winning two Nationals. He will likely be on Orlando's candidate list.
Sam Cassell
Sam Cassel had a really good 15-year career as a player, winning three NBA championships. But since 2009, he has built a strong reputation as a top assist during several stops, including with the Los Angeles Clippers and currently the Boston Celtics.
For many years, he has been viewed as someone who is worthy of the head coaching job, and it is only a matter of time before a franchise finally gives him a chance. He should definitely be considered for Orlando.
dusty may
Michigan head coach Dusty Mays is on top of the college basketball world after leading the program to its first championship in nearly 40 years. His stock in the industry has never been higher, especially since he did it with smart team building through zero market.
Maybe that's why Mark Stein reports that he has fans inside the Magic's front office who would like to talk to him if possible. However, an NBA insider says, "The expectation at this point in the college game is that May will stay with the Wolverines after winning everything in March".
Mika Nori
Another top assistant who has been linked to multiple head coaching jobs over the past few years is Minnesota Timberwolves assistant, Micah Nouri. He's been learning on an NBA bench for 17 seasons and with five different teams. Of the various assistants in the game, there is none more prepared and respected than Nori.
Furthermore, he has been instrumental in developing a team with a strong defensive backbone. This makes him a strong fit for the talented, defensive-leaning roster the Magic already have.
Tom Thibodeau, former head coach of the New York Knicks
Former New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau was unfairly fired this time last year after his team failed to reach the NBA Finals. Yes, he has a Marty Schottenheimer-level allergy to reach the championship round, but wherever he's been, he's been a very good coach for a long time.
With the Magic already being a strong defensive team, they fit Thibodeau's style quite well. The big question is, are the Magic capable of being better than they were in the first round, or do they feel they have a roster that is one coach away from winning it all?
Chris Quinn, Miami Heat assistant
Miami Heat assistant coach Chris Quinn is sure to land a top job soon. He has been with the organization for 12 years and is Erik Spoelstra's top assistant. The Heat and their culture is one of the most respected in the game due to their potential.
Quinn is one of the franchise's greatest acolytes and can bring what has worked for him over the past decade to Orlando. Acquiring a top assistant from an in-state rival will be an interesting story next season.
