The New Orleans Pelicans organization is navigating a crucial period following the firing of head coach Willie Greenafter a disappointing start to the 2025-2026 NBA season. While James Borrego has stepped in as the interim head coach, the long-term coaching situation is still evolving, and the search for Green’s permanent successor has begun, albeit slowly.
The Immediate Landscape: Interim Coach James Borrego
James Borrego was quickly promoted from associate head coach to the interim role, a move that provides him with a live, in-season audition for the full-time job. Borrego has previous NBA head coaching experience with the Charlotte Hornets and was a finalist for the Los Angeles Lakers job in 2024. He is known for an up-tempo, offensive-minded system and his background within the San Antonio Spurs organization.
Despite the Pelicans’ early struggles under his tenure, Borrego has reportedly been putting his offensive imprint on the team, particularly in recent weeks. The challenge for Borrego is balancing a push for immediate wins with the development of the team’s young talent, all while the team has been dealing with key injuries. How he handles this difficult balance will ultimately determine his viability as a long-term option.
Separating Rumor from Reality: The Ollie and Ham Buzz
Following Green’s dismissal, several names surfaced in the media as potential candidates, including former UConn head coach Kevin Ollie and former Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham.
- Kevin Ollie: The former college national champion has been mentioned by some reports as a name that will receive consideration, perhaps due to his previous relationship with Pelicans executive Troy Weaver (who formerly worked for the Pistons, who considered Ollie for their job). However, a source close to the Pelicans organization indicates that Ollie is not considered a real option and that the chatter around his candidacy is likely emanating from his own camp to create buzz.
- Darvin Ham: The former Lakers coach, who was a finalist for the job Borrego recently missed out on, is another reported name to watch. Ham is an NBA champion as both a player and a coach (as an assistant with the Bucks).
The State of the Search: Taking Their Time
The most crucial piece of information, per a close Pelicans source, is that the team has not yet compiled a formal list of candidates that they plan to interview.
This slow-burn approach suggests the Pelicans organization is focused on giving James Borrego a fair opportunity to prove himself during the interim period. It also indicates that executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars is likely taking a patient, deliberate approach to the full-time hire. The team appears to be waiting to seriously compile its list, potentially waiting to see how Borrego fares deeper into the season before making a final decision.
Other Notable Names Floated
While the organization is not yet actively interviewing, media reports have speculated on several high-profile coaches who could be a fit if the Pelicans decide to look outside the current staff. These names often include coaches with proven championship pedigree or a history of significant organizational culture shifts:
- Michael Malone: An NBA Champion (2023) known for his defensive focus and culture-building.
- Mike Budenholzer: A two-time Coach of the Year and NBA Champion (2021) who excels at developing talent and creating efficient offensive schemes.
- Taylor Jenkins: Known for his player development and a modern, forward-thinking approach.
- Frank Vogel: A defensive specialist and NBA Champion (2020).
- Sam Cassell: A respected assistant ready for his first head coaching opportunity.
New Orleans Pelicans: 2025 & Beyond
The New Orleans Pelicans’ head coaching search is an ongoing narrative, with the next few months serving as a crucial test for James Borrego.
Given the information that the team has not yet compiled an interview list, the focus remains firmly on the interim coach’s performance and the direction of the team in the immediate future.
