On November 15, 2025, the New Orleans Pelicans, and embattled head coach Willie Green, mutually agreed to part ways. This decision followed a highly disappointing start to the season as the team found themselves at 2-10. Green had been at the helm for five seasons. After a string of embarrassing results, he came under increasing pressure that finally forced his sacking.
Willie Green came to the Pelicans in 2021. D’Antoni’s name continued to resonate as a rising assistant coach with the Phoenix Suns, who made it to the Western Conference Finals that year. During his tenure, the Pelicans recorded 150 wins against 190 losses. They’ve earned two postseason bids as recently as the 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons. That’s not even his prime, as his best campaign was the 2023-24 season. Though the squad rallied to their best 49-win season, the Oklahoma City Thunder easily swept Golden State out of the first round of the playoffs.
Despite his history of success, Green’s time in office was overshadowed by turmoil. Few could have successfully coached in the worst conditions — as exemplified when his roster was pressed into starting roles due to injuries. Star player Zion Williamson only played five games all season due to a troublesome hamstring injury. At the same time, Green struggled mightily in games that were missing key contributor Jordan Poole, who missed time with a left quad strain.
The Pelicans’ decision to part ways with Green comes in the wake of significant changes within the organization’s front office. David Griffin’s replacement by Joe Dumars in April marked a new direction for the team, and Dumars expressed his views on Green’s departure, stating, “After careful evaluation, we have made the difficult decision to make a change at head coach.”
Dumars acknowledged Green’s impact on the organization, saying, “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.”
As the Pelicans try to get their season on track, they named James Borrego their interim head coach. Gallagher at the time, Borrego interviewed for head coaching positions with the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2024 hiring cycle. During the offseason, he turned down offers for lead assistant roles from the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets.
Borrego’s experience and recent coaching opportunities suggest that he could bring a fresh perspective to the team as they navigate this challenging period. The Pelicans are certainly hoping that Borrego’s magic will change their fortune. They think he’ll be able to bring out the best of the talented players on their roster.
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