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Magic rumors: Jeff Van Gundy on coaching radar, but Billy Donovan remains favorite
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- Magic rumors: Jeff Van Gundy on coaching radar, but Billy Donovan remains favorite
Magic rumors: Jeff Van Gundy on coaching radar, but Billy Donovan remains favorite appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
With the Orlando Magic firing Jamahal Mosley, the team has been looking for a head coach replacement, and while Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan appears to be the favorite, there is another interesting name on the coaching radar. As rumors will surround the Magic around the head coach opening , this NBA insider discusses Jeff Van Gundy being an option.
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Brother of former Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy, Jeff is currently on the Los Angeles Clippers ’ staff under Ty Lue, as he’s known for his defensive prowess. Jake Fischer of The Stein Line would say that while Donovan “has an excellent shot” at being the next Magic head coach, Van Gundy is on Orlando’s “radar as well.”
“While I always hesitate to frame any potential hire as the favorite for a job, since NBA matters can be so fluid, coaching insiders across the league’s landscape are very much operating under the belief that former Bulls coach Billy Donovan has an excellent shot at landing the post. Sources confirmed that Donovan is in dialogue with Magic president Jeff Weltman and will have an in-person meeting with Orlando’s lead executive in the near future,” Fischer wrote.
“Yet it’s well-established that Orlando wants to hire a coach with experience, and sources tell both Marc Stein and me that Orlando has LA Clippers assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy on its radar as well,” Fischer continued.
Another candidate for Magic’s head coach opening is currently in playoffs
The report would also say that the Magic is “advancing the process” of finding a replacement for Mosley, with the team now having conversations with candidates. Another candidate listed for the position is San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Sean Sweeney.
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“In-demand Spurs assistant coach Sean Sweeney is another candidate expected to interview with the Magic, sources say, even though Sweeney is seeking his first head coaching post. Sweeney’s first formal conversation with Orlando might have to be conducted remotely given Sweeney’s Western Conference finals duties with San Antonio,” Fischer wrote.
At any rate, it remains to be seen who the Magic ultimately hire as the next head coach.
Related: Magic rumors: Tea leaves suggest Billy Donovan will be next head coach despite 2007 180
