Report: Magic to make Spurs assistant Sean Sweeney next head coach
Orlando hires one of the NBA’s best coaching minds after his key role in San Antonio’s defensive transformation.
The Orlando Magic are finalizing a deal to hire Sean Sweeney as the franchise’s next head coach, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
Why it matters: The news is a major blow to the San Antonio Spurs staff heading into Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals on Saturday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- Sweeney, 41, had quickly emerged as one of the most sought-after candidates after he helped lead a defensive turnaround in San Antonio after just one season on Mitch Johnson's staff.
- He helped the Spurs go from 25th in defensive rating last season to third this year.
The big picture: Sweeney beat out a finalist group that reportedly included Billy Donovan and Jeff Van Gundy.
By the numbers:
- Sweeney has served as an assistant with Brooklyn, Milwaukee, Detroit, Dallas, and San Antonio.
- He helped guide Dallas to the 2022 Western Conference Finals and 2024 NBA Finals.
- He began his NBA career as a video coordinator with the Nets in 2011.
What’s next: Sweeney is expected to remain with the Spurs through the remainder of their playoff run before officially taking over in Orlando.
