Pelicans fire head coach Willie Green after dismal 2-10 start

The New Orleans Pelicans have parted ways with head coach Willie Green following a 2-10 start to the 2025-26 season, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.

Associate head coach James Borrego, who previously coached the Charlotte Hornets, has been named interim head coach for New Orleans.

Pelicans Executive VP of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars said in a statement, “After careful evaluation, we have made the difficult decision to make a change at head coach … I have the utmost respect for Willie Green … We wish him and his family all the best in the future.” Owner Gayle Benson echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the difficulty of the move but expressing confidence in Dumars’ decision.

Green departs New Orleans with a 150-190 record over more than four seasons. He led the team to the playoffs twice (2021-22 and 2023-24), but was unable to advance past the first round in either appearance.

This season’s slow start was marked by more than just losses. The Pelicans began 0-6 and suffered multiple blowouts; per ESPN research, they became the first team in franchise history to lose three of its first six games by 30+ points. Key injuries have compounded the problems – Zion Williamson has appeared in only five games due to a hamstring injury, and other notable players have missed time, further destabilizing the roster.

Borrego, who takes over for the remainder of the season, has head coaching experience and the Pelicans are relying on him to stabilize the team and refocus its competitive identity.