Pelicans owner Gayle Benson has handed full authority over head coach Willie Green’s future to executive vice president Joe Dumars.
In an interview with The Times-Picayune, Benson voiced disappointment with the team’s results but made clear she trusts Dumars to evaluate every aspect of basketball operations.
“I hired Joe Dumars because we needed a change in leadership at that top level of the Pelicans,” Benson told Jeff Duncan. “I believe in Joe, and Joe knows exactly the stats you noted.”
Green holds a 150-188 record in his four-plus seasons, and the Pelicans have yet to win a playoff series under him. Benson stressed that Dumars has complete independence to make decisions, noting that both Dumars and Saints GM Mickey Loomis report directly to her.
“I really like Willie Green, but I hired Joe Dumars to assess our basketball operation,” Benson said. “And that’s what he is doing. He is assessing Willie and all the players.”
Benson said she spent all of halftime of Wednesday’s game discussing the situation with Dumars, reinforcing that he will be the one to determine any changes.
“When he makes a decision, that’s up to him,” Benson said. “That’s why I hired him. I trust Joe… And if he can fix that problem, then he’ll fix it. If he can’t, then that’ll be his decision, not mine.”
She acknowledged widespread fan frustration but emphasized her day-to-day involvement.
“I am absolutely aware,” Benson said. “I am not an absentee owner … I am in the office and am out in the community every day.”
Benson confirmed she is in active discussions with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry regarding renovations to the Smoothie King Center.
“The governor and I know what we need to do,” Benson said. “And that’s what we’re going to do.”
She reiterated her commitment to supporting the team and that Dumars will lead the decision-making.
“Our roster is built for success right now,” Benson said. “I will rely on Joe to make these decisions and changes as he sees fit.”
Pelicans' Owner Gayle Benson Delegates Willie Green Decision To Joe Dumars https://t.co/NIo6gbdd3G
— RealGM (@RealGM) November 14, 2025
