The New Orleans Pelicans fired coach Willie Green on Saturday following a 2-10 start to his fifth season on the job.
Associate head coach James Borrego, who coached the Charlotte Hornets from 2018-22, was named interim coach.
“After careful evaluation, we have made the difficult decision to make a change at head coach,” said Joe Dumars, the Pelicans’ executive vice president of basketball operations, in a news release. “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, 44, leaves New Orleans with a record of 150-190 (.441). He led the Pelicans to the playoffs in his first season in 2021-22 and again in 2023-24, falling in the first round both times.
Green was a shooting guard who played 12 seasons with five NBA teams and worked as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors (2016-19) and Phoenix Suns (2019-21) before taking over the Pelicans.
“I have tremendous admiration and respect for Willie Green, and I truly appreciate all he has done for our organization over the last few years,” team owner Gayle Benson said in a news release. “This is a tough business and these are difficult decisions. My expectation is to be a winning team that competes for championships, and I remain steadfast in our commitment to building a championship-caliber organization for our players, partners, and above all, our fans.”
Borrego, 48, has a record of 148-183 (.447) with the Orlando Magic (2015) and Hornets. He joined Green’s coaching staff in June 2023.
The Pelicans started 0-6 this season and currently have a four-game losing streak heading into Sunday’s home game with the Golden State Warriors.
New Orleans has dealt with several injuries already this season, including to star forward Zion Williamson (just five games played) and guard Jordan Poole (seven games). All-Star guard Dejounte Murray remains out until at least the new year after tearing his Achilles tendon on Jan. 31.
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