Penny Hardaway a ‘Serious Candidate’ for Orlando Magic Head Coaching Vacancy

After shipping off Nikola Vucevic and Evan Fournier at the trade deadline, the Orlando Magic have officially set themselves on the rebuilding path, even furthering their need for a new coach that is willing to work and grow with a young roster.

The Magic are reportedly looking at franchise legend Penny Hardaway to fill the organization’s glaring need to connect with a youthful roster.

Initially reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, University of Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway interviewed for the Orlando Magic’s head coaching gig and has emerged as a serious candidate.

Since signing on in 2018, Hardaway has built a solid reputation in the area player development and used his wealth of knowledge and NBA experience to foster a multitude of relationships across the basketball community.

The third pick in the 1993 NBA Draft, Hardaway has achieved a 63-62 overall record with Memphis since taking the job in 2018. Last season was Hardaway’s most successful, going 20-8 and winning the National Invitation Tournament (NIT).

Early last season, Hardaway signed an extension with the University that locked him down until the 2025-26 season.

According to Josh Robbins of The Athletic, the Magic have requested permission to interview Phoenix Suns assistant Willie Green, Milwaukee Bucks assistant while expecting to interview Denver Nuggets assistant Wes Unseld Jr.