New Orleans Pelicans Fire Coach Willie Green

The New Orleans Pelicans have parted ways with Head Coach Willie Green after a disastrous 2–10 start to the 2025–26 season, naming assistant James Borrego as interim head coach for the remainder of the year.

Green's tenure ends after four and a half seasons with a 150–190 record, including two playoff appearances. The final straw came after the Pelicans became the first team in NBA history to lose three of their first six games by at least 30 points. Executive Vice President Joe Dumars emphasized the decision wasn't solely about wins and losses, but rather the team's inability to establish an identity moving forward.

Borrego, who previously coached the Charlotte Hornets from 2018 to 2022, brings valuable head coaching experience and was a popular candidate for several coaching positions this past offseason. The Pelicans even blocked him from joining the Knicks as a lead assistant, signaling they viewed him as a potential successor to Green. Unfortunately, Borrego’s first game as the Pelicans’ bench boss was no different than Green’s, as the team lost 124–106 to the Golden State Warriors.

For the Pelicans to turn their fortunes around, several pieces must fall into place. Most importantly, they need Zion Williamson healthy and engaged; he's played just five games this season due to recurring hamstring issues. The franchise must also maximize the development of rookie Derik Queen, whom they traded significant draft capital to acquire at 13th overall.

Beyond the coaching change, New Orleans faces deeper organizational challenges. Poor roster construction and questionable trades, including giving up their unprotected 2026 first-round pick, have left the franchise with limited assets and flexibility (at one point, the Pelicans potentially had two of the top three picks next summer). The return of Dejounte Murray from his torn Achilles in January could provide a boost, but the Pelicans need to decide whether they should blow it all up and start from scratch or try to retool with the core pieces they have. On paper, this is a team that should be able to compete for a playoff, or at least a play-in, spot in the Western Conference, but in reality, they are locked in the basement for the foreseeable future.