Report: Mavs assistant Mosley now front-runner to be next Magic coach

Dallas Mavericks assistant Jamahl Mosley has emerged as the front-runner to become the Orlando Magic's next head coach, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Talks between both sides are reportedly ongoing.

Mosley, 42, spent the past seven seasons on Rick Carlisle's coaching staff in Dallas. He was named the team's defensive coordinator prior to the 2018-19 season and given the responsibility of shaping the Mavericks' defensive strategy for every game.

Mosley served as Dallas' head coach for a win over the New York Knicks on April 2 after Carlisle was ruled out due to health and safety protocols. Following that victory, Mavericks star Luka Doncic vouched for Mosley to take charge of an NBA team permanently.

"He's got the things that are needed for a head coach," Doncic said then, courtesy of ESPN's Tim MacMahon. "He can be the head coach, for sure."

When Carlisle stepped down as head coach in June, Mosley reportedly interviewed for the team's vacancy. After Dallas hired Jason Kidd for the role, Mosley was expected to leave the franchise after failing to receive serious consideration as a candidate, sources told Tim Cato of The Athletic.

Orlando is also reportedly still considering Denver Nuggets assistant Wes Unseld Jr. to succeed Steve Clifford as their head coach. Unseld, like Mosley, is also a strong candidate for the Washington Wizards' head coach opening, sources told Wojnarowski.