Pelicans Make Coaching Change: Willie Green Out,James Borrego Takes Interim Helm

The New Orleans Pelicans have fired head coach Willie Green,marking the first notable coaching shake-up of the NBA season.The decision comes after a dismal 2-10 start, leaving the team languishing near the bottom of the league in net rating. Assistant coach James Borrego has been appointed interim head coach, stepping into the role he previously held with the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets.

This move signals a clear shift in direction for the Pelicans,especially following the management transition over the summer. With Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver now at the helm, itS a common, albeit frequently enough tough, practice for new leadership to bring in their own coaching staff. while Green had earned the trust of the previous regime, the team’s current struggles left little room for patience.

Green’s tenure with the Pelicans,which began in July 2021,saw the team reach the playoffs in two seasons: 2022,where they fell to the eventual champion Golden State Warriors in six games,and 2024,a dominant first-round sweep of the oklahoma City Thunder.His overall record stands at 150 wins and 190 losses, a 44% winning percentage.While these numbers don’t jump off the page,they represent a period of growth and competitiveness for a franchise that has often been in flux.

Borrego’s Chance to Make His Mark

James Borrego brings a wealth of experience to the interim position. His previous stints as a head coach, including a four-year run with the Charlotte Hornets from 2018