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.
– 1 min read
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.
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Stephen Michael has over 12 years of experience as a sports journalist covering the moments that define the game. His coverage has appeared across digital platforms, from Project Spurs to SB Nation, covering sports teams in San Antonio and Austin.