Pelicans Name Jamahl Mosley Head Coach on Five-Year Deal.

The New Orleans Pelicans have officially hired Jamahl Mosley as the franchise’s new head coach, turning to the former Orlando Magic leader to guide a roster aiming to rebound after a disappointing season. According to sources, Mosley agreed to a five-year contract with New Orleans after becoming available earlier this month when Orlando dismissed him following a first-round playoff collapse against the Detroit Pistons. The Magic lost Game 7 after surrendering a 3-1 series lead, ending Mosley’s five-year tenure with the organization.

Pelicans executive vice president Joe Dumars praised Mosley’s reputation around the league, highlighting his leadership, defensive mindset, and ability to connect with players.

“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. “His teams reflect toughness, discipline, and commitment to playing the right way.”

New Orleans conducted an extensive coaching search before finalizing the hire. The organization spoke with several candidates, including Milwaukee Bucks assistants Darvin Ham and Rajon Rondo, Brooklyn Nets assistant Steve Hetzel, and interim Pelicans coach James Borrego. Team officials reportedly stayed in regular contact with Mosley and his representatives after his departure from Orlando, and the sides met formally during last week’s NBA draft combine in Chicago.

Mosley leaves Orlando with a 189-221 record but helped transform the Magic from a rebuilding franchise into a consistent playoff team. Under his leadership, Orlando reached the postseason in each of the past three years despite dealing with significant injuries throughout multiple campaigns. The 47-year-old coach also built one of the league’s strongest defensive programs. Orlando finished third in defensive rating during the 2023-24 season, second in 2024-25, and 11th this past year. Mosley finished second in NBA Coach of the Year voting in 2023-24 and ranks third in Magic franchise history in regular-season wins.

The Pelicans believe Mosley can oversee a similar turnaround in New Orleans. The roster features a mix of young players, including Derik Queen, Jeremiah Fears, and Yves Missi, alongside established veterans such as Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Jordan Poole, Dejounte Murray, and Herbert Jones. New Orleans finished 26-56 this season and currently owns only the No. 58 overall pick in June’s NBA draft after trading away its first-round selection last year in a move that helped the franchise acquire Queen.