Former Nets assistant coach Sean Sweeney hired by Magic as head coach

The Brooklyn Nets are trying to get back to the point where they can compete for a playoff spot before too much time has passed since the last time the team was able to do so. Brooklyn is entrusting head coach Jordi Fernandez and his coaching staff to get the job done, but one of the Nets‘ former coaches is hoping to make the most of his new opportunity.

HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported in late May that San Antonio Spurs associate head coach Sean Sweeney has been hired by the Orlando Magic to be their next head coach. Sweeney was hired while trying to help the Spurs win their first championship since the 2013-14 season, but with San Antonio trailing the New York Knicks 2-0 in the series, it doesn’t look good for Sweeney and the Spurs.

Sweeney was tabbed as the next head coach for the Magic as the team did not bring back Jamahl Mosley after losing in the first round of the playoffs for the third straight season. Mosley has since been hired by the New Orleans Pelicans to be their next head coach and Sweeney will take over an Orlando squad that is hoping to make the most of the Paolo Banchero-Franz Wagner era.

Sweeney began his NBA coaching career as a video coordinator for the Nets, then in New Jersey, from 2011 to 2013 when the head coaches were Avery Johnson and PJ Carlesimo. Sweeney later became an assistant coach during the 2013-14 season under Jason Kidd before assuming the same role with the Milwaukee Bucks (2014-18), Detroit Pistons (2018-21), and Dallas Mavericks (2021-25).

The 2025-26 season was Sweeney’s first time holding the role of Associate head coach and it was during the year where it looked like Victor Wembanyama and company were looking like a potential Finals team. Now, Sweeney could have the best of both worlds as he already has his first head-coaching job and with some work, he could help San Antonio win a title before turning his attention back to the Magic.

JUST IN: The Orlando Magic will hire Sean Sweeney as their head coach, league sources told @hoopshype. Sweeney was an associate head coach for the San Antonio Spurs. Prior, he was an assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, and Brooklyn Nets. pic.twitter.com/5MUoFLvreU

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 29, 2026

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Former Nets assistant coach Sean Sweeney hired by Magic as head coach