The New Orleans Pelicans are making another major change. This time, it comes at the coaching level.
Willie Green was let go from the organization on Saturday. After the Pelicans lost to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night in NBA Cup action, the Pelicans made the decision to move on and get a fresh start amid a 2-10 stretch to begin the year.
“After careful evaluation, we have made the difficult decision to make a change at head coach,” said Pelicans’ Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, Joe Dumars. “I have the utmost respect for Willie Green, and I’m sincerely appreciative of his contributions to the Pelicans organization and the New Orleans community. We wish him and his family all the best in the future.”
Shortly after the news was announced, notable sports talk personality Skip Bayless was admittedly shocked. He took to social media to express his thoughts on the matter.
“Stunned Willie Green was fired with Zion/Dejounte/Poole hurt. I will not be surprised if he becomes a championship coach elsewhere – he’s that good,” Bayless wrote on X. “Maybe he just needed a fresh start. Joe Dumars has taken over as GM – much respect for him, too. Joe needs His Guy. Maybe Borrego.”
The Pelicans will soon find out if Borrego is the guy or not. After joining the Pelicans in 2023, assisting Green, Borrego was elevated to the head coach’s seat, gaining an interim head coach title. Depending on the way the rest of the season plays out, it could be Borrego’s job beyond the 2025-2026 season.
Borrego got his start in coaching in 2003 as an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs. He earned his first shot as a head coach in 2016, when he was named the interim coach of the Orlando Magic for 30 games. That time, Borrego didn’t get the long-term job. A few years later, he was hired to take over as the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets.
After four seasons in Charlotte, Borrego was let go. At this point, he has a 148-183 coaching record. He missed the playoffs each year.
As for Green, he transitioned from a player to an assistant coach in 2016. After stints with the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns, Green was hired by the Pelicans in 2021. Over 340 games, Green has achieved a 150-190 record. The Pelicans made the playoffs twice, going 2-8 with zero series wins during that tenure.
The situation—especially this season—was far from ideal for Green. The Pelicans’ issues go beyond the head coach. However, after the roster saw a lot of turnover, and the front office made some key changes over the summer, it was clear that the coaching staff would be hit next if things didn’t turn around quickly.
Bayless is confident that Green will bounce back. It’s unclear what’s next, but the former NBA veteran should be a name to keep an eye on for future head coaching vacancies.
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