Willie Green, the former head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, guided that team for five seasons. Even in his departure, he continues to have an outsized influence in the community. On November 15, Green was fired as head coach. During that time, he built a track record of 150 victories to 190 losses. Though his time coaching the Pelicans was a difficult experience, Green is thankful for that opportunity. He remains committed to helping local families in New Orleans.
Green’s most recent tenure with the Pelicans was one replete with exceptional accomplishments. He helped the team reach the postseason in both the 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons. For the time being, that part of his coaching journey is over. Undeterred, he and his family continue to call New Orleans home where they work diligently at becoming stakeholders and changemakers in the community. Green, his wife Terrah, and their youngest son Miles have committed to making the creative, diverse, and opportunity-rich city their home. They’re committed to the community and its people.
As a former musician and coach, Terrah Green continues to make a difference today by serving as a board member of New Orleans Jazz Organization (NOJO). This participatory effort underscores the family’s commitment to expanding their city’s cultural tapestry. Willie Green has worked with Goodr and St. Bernard Parish (SBP) for three years. As someone who’s worked for nearly a year as an appointed trustee, we hope that through this collaboration we can reach more people with the tools and guidance they need.
We just care about people. I don’t believe in leadership you get a choice,” Green said, hammering home his guiding principles on leadership. He thinks that if leaders are to be effective, they must serve their communities. Regardless of their political makeup, they have a built-in duty to accomplish this.
One of the Green family’s most notable initiatives is “The Green Family Presents: The Goodr Pop-Up Holiday Market in Central City.” This fundraiser is intended to raise funds to gift a month’s worth of groceries to 300 families in need across Central City, New Orleans. Green expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This is a city where there’s always an opportunity to give of yourself. So, we wanted to try to bless some families before the holiday.”
Though he only left coaching this past summer, Green claims he hasn’t applied for his next coaching job. Though, having drawn the line in his own state of Montana, he is excited about what might come next. “There’s only 30 of those jobs. Ms. Gayle Benson, the Pelicans’ owner, had faith in me. Fast forward to now, even with the stated attempt of David Griffin to fire me, I remain eternally grateful for the opportunity afforded me here in New Orleans.
Green’s enthusiasm for assisting others shines through like the brightest spotlight in everything he says, everything he does. “When you are in a leadership role, it doesn’t matter. We’re called to give of ourselves wherever we are,” he remarked. His passion for public service shines through in his efforts to make New Orleans a better place to live long after his time in office.
Though knee problems have kept Green from throwing it down for some time now, he’s still getting up and getting down to stay healthy – physically and socially. His enthusiastic approach to philanthropy and civic engagement truly reflects his character as a visionary leader inspired to make a difference.
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