The New Orleans Pelicans are evaluating their long-term direction after dismissing Willie Green on November 15, a move that followed a 2–10 start to the 2025–26 season. Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson reported that the franchise has begun a measured search while James Borrego oversees the roster as interim head coach.
Borrego was elevated from associate coach within hours of Green’s firing. His previous tenure with Charlotte and his time in the San Antonio system give him familiarity with pace-oriented concepts, and his current stretch functions as an in-season test. New Orleans has remained near the bottom of the Western Conference at 3–20, but sources told Robinson that Borrego has continued implementing offensive structure even as injuries have forced rotation changes.
The roster’s numbers reflect the challenge. Zion Williamson leads the club with 22.1 points per game across 10 appearances, while Trey Murphy III has contributed 20.4 points and 6.6 rebounds. Jeremiah Fears has averaged 15.9 points in his rookie year, and Saddiq Bey has supplied 14.0 points with 6.0 rebounds. Despite several individual performances, the Pelicans have struggled defensively and rank near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency during this stretch.
Robinson reported that speculation around Kevin Ollie and Darvin Ham surfaced quickly after Green’s departure, though their situations differ. A source close to the franchise told him that Ollie is not viewed internally as a realistic candidate and that the talk surrounding him appears driven externally. Ham, who previously coached the Lakers and won a title as an assistant in Milwaukee, has been mentioned more consistently in league circles.
According to Robinson’s reporting, New Orleans has not assembled an official list of interview targets. This indicates that the organization is giving Borrego extended runway before shifting into a formal search. Executives, including Joe Dumars, are expected to continue monitoring team trends as December progresses.
Several high-profile names have circulated in media discussions, though none have been formally connected to interviews. Michael Malone, a 2023 champion, has been cited because of his defensive structure. Mike Budenholzer’s résumé includes two Coach of the Year awards and the 2021 championship. Taylor Jenkins, Frank Vogel, and Sam Cassell are also names frequently raised due to their developmental backgrounds or championship experience.
New Orleans enters its upcoming games seeking stability after dropping two straight to Minnesota. Murphy delivered 33 points and 15 rebounds in the December 2 overtime loss, and he added 21 points with eight assists on December 4. The Pelicans now move into a stretch that includes Brooklyn, San Antonio, and Portland as Borrego continues his audition.
The organization’s timeline remains fluid, but Robinson’s reporting indicates that the interim coach’s evaluation is central to the process and that a formal candidate list will not emerge until later in the season.
