Billy Donovan reportedly emerging as favorite for Magic coaching job

Billy Donovan may not stay unemployed very long.

According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, many coaching insiders around the NBA currently view the former Bulls coach as the frontrunner for the Magic opening following the dismissal of Jamahl Mosley.

Fischer reported Donovan has already been speaking with Orlando president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman and is expected to have an in-person interview soon.

While nothing appears imminent, league sources reportedly believe Donovan has an “excellent shot” at landing the position.

The Magic are believed to want an experienced coach capable of pushing a young roster deeper into contention, and Donovan certainly checks that box after lengthy stops with both Chicago and the Thunder.

Another notable name connected to Orlando is Jeff Van Gundy, according to Fischer and Marc Stein. Van Gundy has spent the past two seasons as an assistant with the Clippers after years away from NBA benches.

Meanwhile, despite some speculation, Fischer reported the Magic have not yet spoken with former Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, who remains available after being fired last offseason.

Orlando also plans to interview Sean Sweeney, the respected associate head coach of theSpurs. Fischer added that Sweeney is also viewed as a strong candidate to replace Donovan in Chicago.

So yes, there’s already some crossover happening between the Bulls and Magic searches. Pretty standard NBA offseason stuff.