Magic’s Jeff Weltman Discusses Sean Sweeney Hire

The Magic‘s recent announcement that they are bringing in Sean Sweeney as their next head coach marks the third coaching hire of president Jeff Weltman‘s nine-year tenure.

This hiring process looked very different from previous ones, due to the fact that Sweeney is currently in the midst of a playoff run as an assistant coach for the Finals-bound Spurs, Jason Beede writes for the Orlando Sentinel.

“I have to say, a huge thanks to the San Antonio organization because they really wanted to let Sean have every opportunity that he could to pursue a job that he really wanted,” Weltman said. “And so, they were really amenable. We had to work on off days and just make it work the best way that we could. It wasn’t optimum but we made it work. They were very cooperative cause they didn’t want to hold Sean back.”

Weltman says that following the initial interview with the 41-year-old coach, the team moved quickly in pursuing next steps to bring him into the fold.

“The first thing that you notice with Sean is he has like a natural intensity about him,” Weltman said. “It’s not something that he has to try to put on or impress you with. It’s just there. He’s very locked in. His focus and his intensity I think underlies a lot of the way he delivers information (and) receives information.”

The Magic rose above the level of a bottom-10 offense for the first time in a decade this season under Jamahl Mosley, but still came in 18th while battling numerous injuries to key players throughout the season. Unfortunately, the defense took a hit, falling to 13th after being top-three two years in a row. Sweeney will be tasked with unlocking a more efficient offense while keeping the defense as strong as it has been in previous years.

Weltman emphasized that while expectations were raised this season, due in part to the offseason blockbuster trade for Desmond Bane, the team is still very young on the whole. They are led by Paolo Banchero (23 years old), Franz Wagner (24), Jalen Suggs (24), and Bane, who represents the aged veteran at 27. They also have Tristan Da Silva (24), Anthony Black (22), and a trio of young, unproven players in Noah Penda (21), Jase Richardson (20), and Jett Howard (22).

Because of that, he is still taking the long view on the team.

While Sweeney may be considered more of a defensive-minded coach, Weltman was clear in his belief that his new hire will be well-rounded and up for the task of streamlining the team’s offense.

“Sean’s been an offensive coach, too, so I don’t know how those tags get slapped on people,” Weltman said. “But a lot of it comes down to basic principles and teaching the game in a way that the players have to adhere to. And I think he’s had success doing that in the places that he’s been. Obviously, he’s never done it from the No. 1 seat. That’ll be a new experience for him. But again, when you put together the ingredients of those things that we talked about, plus his natural intensity, his integrity, his character and his work ethic — he is relentless — those ingredients are kind of what you hope for (that) could lead to being a real special coach.”