Who is Sean Sweeney, the Magic’s new head coach

The Orlando Magic are finalizing an agreement with Sean Sweeney, who is set to become the team’s new head coach, according to ESPN. The San Antonio Spurs assistant emerged as one of the most sought‑after candidates of the offseason, ultimately beating out fellow finalists Jeff Van Gundy and Billy Donovan. Orlando had been searching for a leader capable of elevating a young roster after three straight first‑round playoff exits, opting once again for a coach making his NBA head‑coaching debut.

Sweeney began his career with the Brooklyn Nets as a video coordinator in 2011 before being promoted to assistant coach in 2013. He later joined Jason Kidd’s staffs in Milwaukee and Dallas, and last season served as associate head coach in San Antonio, where he helped guide a dramatic defensive rise from 25th to third in the league. Magic executives reportedly met him in San Antonio during the Western Conference Finals, and he will join Orlando after completing the Spurs’ playoff run.