Pelicans Fire Coach Willie Green After Rough Start to Season

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The New Orleans Pelicans have fired head coach Willie Green after a dismal 2-10 start to the 2025-26 NBA season, the team announced on Saturday.

Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars stated, “After careful evaluation, we have made the difficult decision to make a change at head coach. I have the utmost respect for Willie Green, and I’m sincerely appreciative of his contributions to the Pelicans organization and the New Orleans community. We wish him and his family all the best in the future.” Green served as head coach for nearly five seasons, posting a record of 150-190.

Associate head coach James Borrego has been named interim head coach. Borrego, who previously coached the Charlotte Hornets, takes over amid a four-game losing streak for the Pelicans. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “You never know if you’re going to be back in this position, so I don’t take this lightly.”

Green’s tenure had begun on a hopeful note, particularly with young talent like Zion Williamson, who has struggled with injuries throughout his career. Williamson has missed seven games this season due to a strained hamstring, which highlighted Green’s challenges in maintaining a competitive lineup.

Dumars noted that the decision to part ways with Green was less about the current record and more about the team’s lack of identity and inability to improve. “We have to establish who we want to be here in New Orleans going forward, and I just wasn’t seeing that happening,” he said.

The Pelicans experienced a historic rough start to this season, becoming the first team in NBA history to lose three of their first six games by at least 30 points. Dumars indicated a commitment to rebuilding and finding a team identity under Borrego’s leadership.

As the Pelicans look to overcome their early setbacks, they will host the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, marking Borrego’s first game as interim coach.