The New Orleans Pelicans fire coach Willie Green after a bad start and negative record. James Borrego takes over temporarily.
The New Orleans Pelicans have fired head coach Willie Green. After only two wins in ten losses, the front office pulled the plug.
Particularly sobering: the 0-6 start, three defeats with at least 30 points difference and more than 120 opposing points in the first five games – negative records according to ESPN Research . Since the start of the 2024/25 season, New Orleans has the third-worst record in the entire NBA.
The New Orleans Pelicans have parted ways with Willie Green
Pelicans boss: “Difficult decision”
“After careful analysis, we have made the difficult decision to change the head coach,” said Pelicans boss Joe Dumars in a statement: “I appreciate Willie Green very much as a person and professionally and thank him for his work. We wish him and his family all the best.”
Green had been in office since 2021 and ended his five-year term with a record of 150:190. His highlight: 49 wins last season, before the team was eliminated without a sound in the first playoff round against Oklahoma City.
Injury woes around Zion Williamson & Co.
The sporting decline is closely related to the injury ward. Superstar Zion Williamson has already missed seven games this season due to a persistent thigh injury.
New addition Jordan Poole (left thigh) and point guard Dejounte Murray (Achilles tendon tear) were also recently absent.
Borrego takes over on an interim basis
Assistant coach James Borrego is initially promoted to head coach. The former Charlotte coach was a candidate in Los Angeles and Cleveland in the summer and turned down offers from the Knicks and Nuggets as Lead Assistant to stay in New Orleans.
The franchise is under pressure: Through trades, the Pelicans currently have no first-round pick in the 2026 draft.
Talents like Derik Queen (No. 13) and Jeremiah Fears (No. 7) shine occasionally, but without a quick turnaround, the season threatens to be a disappointment – Borrego must deliver immediately.
“`