Nov 9, 2023; Mexico City, MEX; Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley at a press conference during the 2023 NBA Mexico City Game at the Arena CDMX. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Are the Expectations Too High for Coach Mosley?

Originally posted on Orlando Magic on SI
By Austin Dobbins | Last updated Oct 6, 2025 6:00 PM ET

When it comes to forecasting the future in sports, look no further than Vegas. Oddsmakers always seem to know something fans don’t, and their odds reflect that insight every single day. In Orlando, there’s a similar sense of looking ahead with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season. The additions of Desmond Bane, rookie Jase Richardson, the core of Suggs, Banchero, Wagner, and the buzz surrounding Coach Mosley have fans eager for what’s next.

On top of that, Mosley is the unanimous favorite on every sportsbook in the country to win the NBA Coach of the Year award. If he takes home the honor, he would become only the second head coach in Orlando Magic history to do so and the first since rookie head coach Doc Rivers, who earned the distinction on April 26, 2000, after leading the Magic to a 41-41 record in his inaugural season. Since joining Orlando, Mosley has built the team’s identity around defense, toughness, and growth, giving Magic fans every reason to feel confident about the future.

Jamahl Mosley is the favorite to win Coach of the year, per @PlayProphetX

Jamahl Mosley (Magic) +650
Quin Snyder (Hawks) +700
JB Bickerstaff (Pistons) +1100
Mike Brown (Knicks) +1100
Ime Udoka (Rockets) +1500

(Via https://t.co/F1e8y6aqXE) pic.twitter.com/ReEUAxCbDA
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 6, 2025

But are those expectations too high? While Mosley has shown steady progress, the most wins the Magic have recorded under his tenure is 47, a solid mark, but not necessarily indicative of automatic Coach of the Year status, especially in the "weakened" Eastern Conference.

The competition for such a prestigious award is fierce, with names like Quin Snyder in Atlanta, Joe Mazzulla in Boston, Erik Spoelstra in Miami, Mike Brown, Kenny Atkinson, Steve Kerr, and several others all in the mix.

Coach Of The Year Betting Odds | oddschecker

Voters love a compelling narrative, and Mosley certainly has one. But for him to actually secure the award, the Magic would almost certainly need to be a top three team in the Eastern Conference, a high bar, especially with the spotlight now firmly on Orlando. Expectations are high, but translating hype into votes is another challenge entirely.

So, while all the ingredients are there, Mosley now has to finish the recipe. Otherwise, the Orlando Magic and coach Mosley could be staring at a major disappointment in the 2025–2026 season. Hype and high expectations are exciting, but none of it matters until the Magic hit the court and turn potential into wins.

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This article first appeared on Orlando Magic on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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