Pelicans Eye Bucks Assistant Darvin Ham as Next Head Coach

The New Orleans franchise is set to make a crucial decision on their next sideline leader.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:59am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in deep navy, forest green, and burnt orange colors, conveying the complex dynamics and high-stakes decision facing the Pelicans as they search for their next head coach.The Pelicans' search for a new head coach could reshape the team's future, with Darvin Ham emerging as a top candidate to guide their talented young core.New Orleans Today

The New Orleans Pelicans are expected to target Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham as their top candidate to become the team's next head coach, according to league sources. The Pelicans parted ways with former head coach Willie Green earlier this season and have been led by interim coach James Borrego, who has impressed the team but may not retain the full-time job.

Why it matters

The Pelicans have a talented young core led by Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum, and finding the right head coach will be crucial to the team's long-term success and development. Ham's experience as an assistant under Mike Budenholzer in Milwaukee could make him an attractive option to guide the Pelicans' rising stars.

The details

Despite the respect interim coach James Borrego has earned from the Pelicans roster, sources suggest the team is unlikely to remove his interim tag for the 2026-27 season. While Borrego could potentially return to an assistant role, the name emerging as a top candidate is Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham.

  • The Pelicans parted ways with former head coach Willie Green earlier this season.
  • James Borrego was named the Pelicans' interim head coach after Green's dismissal.

The players

Darvin Ham

An assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks who is expected to be a top candidate for the Pelicans' head coaching job.

James Borrego

The Pelicans' current interim head coach, who has impressed the team but may not retain the full-time position.

Willie Green

The former Pelicans head coach who was dismissed earlier this season.

Zion Williamson

A star player for the Pelicans and part of the team's talented young core.

Brandon Ingram

A star player for the Pelicans and part of the team's talented young core.

CJ McCollum

A star player for the Pelicans and part of the team's talented young core.

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What they’re saying

“Despite the respect he has earned from the roster, sources familiar with the situation suggest the Pelicans are unlikely to remove his interim tag for the 2026-27 campaign.”

— Brandon Robinson, NBA Insider

“While Borrego could potentially return to an assistant role—a path he took previously with the Orlando Magic—the name echoing through the halls of the front office this summer is Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham.”

— Brandon Robinson, NBA Insider

What’s next

The Pelicans are expected to make a decision on their next head coach in the coming weeks, with Darvin Ham emerging as the top candidate to lead the team's talented young core.

The takeaway

The Pelicans' search for a new head coach will be a crucial decision for the franchise as they look to build around their young stars and return to the playoffs. Darvin Ham's experience as an assistant with the championship-winning Bucks could make him an attractive option to guide the Pelicans' next chapter.