The New Orleans Pelicans officially named Jamahl Mosley as their new head coach on a five-year deal on June 6 or 7, 2026 [1]. Mosley was fired by the Orlando Magic on May 4, 2026, after five seasons leading the team [2, 1]. He posted a 189-221 record with the Magic and guided them to three straight playoff appearances before his dismissal [1].
Pelicans executive vice president Joe Dumars praised Mosley’s leadership and coaching style. He said, “Jamahl has earned tremendous respect across the NBA for his leadership, professionalism, and the strong relationships he develops with players and staff. He has consistently demonstrated an ability to develop young talent while establishing teams that compete with toughness, discipline, and togetherness. His teams reflect his coaching style through their defensive intensity, effort, preparation, and commitment to playing the right way. Those qualities reinforce the long-term stability of a winning culture.” [1]
Mosley’s teams emphasized defense, ranking No. 3 in 2023-24, No. 2 in 2024-25, and No. 11 in the 2025-26 NBA seasons [1]. This defensive success contrasts with the Pelicans’ recent struggles, as their defense ranked 23rd in the 2025-26 season and was among the league’s worst before the All-Star break [2]. The Pelicans are betting Mosley can bring the same defensive discipline and player development skills that helped turn around the Magic, who improved after a 21-win season in 2021 [2, 1].
Before hiring Mosley, the Pelicans interviewed several candidates including Darvin Ham, Rajon Rondo, Steve Hetzel, and interim coach James Borrego [1]. The team met with Mosley and his agent during the NBA draft combine in Chicago less than a week before the announcement [1].
Mosley’s arrival marks a clear attempt by New Orleans to accelerate their rebuild and improve their defensive identity. The Pelicans will look to Mosley to lead their young roster and build a more consistent winning team over the next five years [2, 1].
