Pelicans Assistant Withdraws from Siena Coaching Search

Mike Hopkins decides to remain with the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:53pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes in navy, green, and orange, representing the complex dynamics of a basketball coaching decision.An assistant coach's decision to remain in the NBA highlights the growing appeal of professional opportunities for top college basketball talent.New Orleans Today

New Orleans Pelicans assistant coach Mike Hopkins has withdrawn his name from consideration for the vacant head coaching position at Siena College. Hopkins, who previously served as the head coach at the University of Washington, had emerged as a leading candidate to replace the departing Gerry McNamara at Siena.

Why it matters

This decision by Hopkins means the Pelicans will retain one of their key assistant coaches, providing continuity on the staff as the team looks to build on its recent success. The move also suggests Hopkins may be content continuing his NBA career rather than returning to the college ranks at this time.

The details

Hopkins joined the Pelicans in 2025 as an assistant coach and head of player development after a successful run as the head coach at Washington from 2017-2024. He was previously an assistant coach with the Phoenix Suns in 2024 before making the move to New Orleans. With Siena's head coaching job now open, Hopkins had emerged as a top candidate, but has ultimately decided to remain with the Pelicans organization.

  • Hopkins joined the Pelicans as an assistant coach in 2025.
  • He was the head coach at the University of Washington from 2017 to 2024.

The players

Mike Hopkins

An assistant coach for the New Orleans Pelicans who previously served as the head coach at the University of Washington from 2017 to 2024.

Gerry McNamara

The former head coach of the Siena men's basketball team, who recently left to take an assistant coaching job at Syracuse University.

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What they’re saying

“Whether or not the assistant coach remains with the Pelicans beyond 2025-26 is yet to be seen, but it at least now it's known Hopkins won't be headed to Siena.”

— Adam Zagoria, Reporter

The takeaway

Hopkins' decision to stay with the Pelicans organization suggests he sees more long-term potential in continuing his NBA coaching career rather than returning to the college ranks at this time. His experience and success at the collegiate level, however, could make him a sought-after candidate for future college head coaching openings.