New Orleans, LA—The New Orleans Pelicans organization moved swiftly today, relieving Head Coach Willie Green of his duties following a disappointing start to the season and mounting internal pressure that had been brewing since last year. Associate Head Coach James Borrego will take over as the interim head coach immediately.

While Borrego, a former head coach for the Charlotte Hornets, is in the running for the full-time role, the team is expected to conduct a wide search and interview others.

The decision comes just weeks after the Pelicans began the season with a catastrophic 0-4 start, which included back-to-back 30-point blowout losses. The disastrous opening put immense pressure on the front office, as previously reported, due to the team’s precarious position regarding their unprotected 2026 first-round draft pick owed to the Atlanta Hawks.

According to a source, the poor start was the immediate catalyst for the move this season: “With an 0-4 start, Dumars and Troy Weaver wanted to make the move to let Willie go.”

Pelicans Governor Gayle Benson issued a statement shortly after the news broke, backing the organization’s leadership and setting a high standard for the team’s future.

“Joe Dumars is in charge of basketball operations decisions, and as one of the best basketball minds in the business, I trust him to make the right decisions for our franchise I have tremendous admiration and respect for Willie Green, and I truly appreciate all he has done for our organization over the last few years. This is a tough business and these are difficult decisions. My expectation is to be a winning team that competes for championships, and I remain steadfast in our commitment to building a championship-caliber organization for our players, partners, and above all, our fans.”

Green’s Departure Rooted in Last Season’s Discontent

While talks of Green and the Pelicans parting ways were discussion last month, the conversation of relieving Green of his duties first started last season.

Sources indicate that while Green maintained the personal support of the franchise’s owner, he had lost the locker room. “Benson really likes him as a person,” a source with knowledge shared.

“But he lost the team last year.”

The attempt to part ways last year was reportedly thwarted by the owner herself.

“David Griffin wanted him gone. Benson didn’t like Griff, so she canned him and brought in Joe Dumars. She mandated him to keep Willie even after several players said they didn’t want Willie here.”

It is understood that the only player on last year’s team that advocated for Green to remain was CJ McCollum. McCollum is no longer a member of that team and is currently a member of the Washington Wizards.

Broader Concerns About Organizational Commitment

Green’s firing also shines a light on deeper organizational frustrations felt by players. A concern shared by players on the team is that Gayle Benson cares more about the New Orleans Saints than she does the Pelicans.

One source was highly critical of the organization’s perceived ambitions, sharing: “She is shooting for mediocrity and the Play in Tournament is the ceiling.”

This organizational atmosphere, according to the source, is why former players have been vocal about their negative experiences. “That’s why several players that left have talked so poorly about the organization like Anthony Davis and Dyson Daniels. Even Dejounte Murray felt a way and shared on the Ryan Clark Podcast.”