TITLE: Pelicans Begin Head-Coaching Search, Will Consider Interim Coach James Borrego
SLUG: pelicans-begin-head-coaching-search-james-borrego
CONTENT:
The New Orleans Pelicans have opened a full search for a permanent head coach and plan to interview interim coach James Borrego, according to reporters Marc Stein and Jake Fischer.
Borrego, 48, took over on an interim basis in November after the club dismissed Willie Green following a 2-10 start. The team finished 24-46 under Borrego and closed the season at 26-56, the third-worst winning percentage (.317) in franchise history.
The front office, led by new head of basketball operations Joe Dumars and general manager Troy Weaver, is also expected to look at several external candidates. League sources previously told HoopsHype that the list includes former Lakers coach Darvin Ham and ex-Nets coach Kevin Ollie. Current Magic coach Jamahl Mosley is admired inside the organization and could receive interest if Orlando parts ways with him.
New Orleans has missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons despite better injury luck in 2025-26. Zion Williamson (62 games), Trey Murphy III (66) and Herbert Jones (56) all saw significant increases in availability compared with the previous year. Rookie lottery picks Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen combined to miss just one game, and trade acquisition Saddiq Bey became a rotation regular.
Not everything clicked. Newly acquired guard Jordan Poole struggled offensively, 2024-25 All-Rookie center Yves Missi saw reduced minutes, and Dejounte Murray appeared in only 14 games after tearing his Achilles tendon in January 2025.
Borrego previously led the Charlotte Hornets from 2018 to 2022 and owns a 172-222 (.429) career record as an NBA head coach. Reports have also linked him to the Milwaukee Bucks’ coaching vacancy.
The Pelicans have not announced a timeline for completing their search.
Source: HoopsRumors
