Head coach Willie Green could be on his way out in New Orleans as the Pelicans prepare for a front office overhaul led by newly appointed president of basketball operations Joe Dumars.
According to Shamit Dua’s report on his Substack In The N.O., multiple sources say Green has lost nearly all player support inside the locker room, with the team reportedly tuning him out during a season marked by record-breaking 40-point losses.
Green, who frequently criticized his squad as “soft” throughout the year, now faces serious doubts about his future after guiding the team to a 21-61 record — the second-worst mark in the Western Conference.
The Pelicans’ leadership change comes after a disappointing season in which injuries devastated the roster and expectations collapsed.
Zion Williamson missed 52 games due to injury and faced additional scrutiny off the court, prompting frustration within ownership, according to Dua’s report, which described the latest controversy as “the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
Green acknowledged the team’s failure after Sunday’s season-ending loss to Oklahoma City, telling reporters, “I didn’t do great… I failed.”
The fourth-year head coach owns a career record of 148-180 and helped lead New Orleans to back-to-back play-in appearances in 2022 and 2023, but this season’s collapse may overshadow past success.
Dumars, who replaces David Griffin, is expected to oversee all major basketball decisions moving forward, including the future of the head coaching position.
Dumars brings championship experience from his tenure leading the Detroit Pistons and has held senior executive roles with both the Kings and NBA league office.
General manager Bryson Graham remains with the organization and is well-regarded leaguewide, but Dumars’ arrival signals that no position is guaranteed.
