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Magic to Hire Spurs Assistant Sean Sweeney as Head Coach

Orlando expects Sweeney’s defensive record plus his work developing young stars to help its core advance past repeated first‑round playoff exits.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets reported late Friday that the Orlando Magic are finalizing a deal to hire San Antonio associate head coach Sean Sweeney as their next head coach.
  • Sweeney will remain on the Spurs’ bench through the end of San Antonio’s postseason, including a potential Game 7 in the Western Conference finals, before formally joining the Magic.
  • The 41‑year‑old will be a first‑time NBA head coach after beating finalists Billy Donovan and Jeff Van Gundy in Orlando’s search led by president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman.
  • Sweeney ran the Spurs’ defense this season, overseeing a jump from roughly 25th to third in defensive efficiency and contributing to San Antonio’s 62‑20 regular‑season mark.
  • Orlando hands Sweeney a roster built around Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs and expects him to shore up weaknesses that helped cause three straight first‑round exits.