Pelicans Consider Interim Coach Borrego for Top Job

New Orleans franchise seeks stability after back-to-back 50-loss seasons.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:53pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the chaotic energy of a basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes in navy, green, and orange overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract composition that captures the intensity of the sport.The Pelicans' coaching search aims to find a leader who can unite the team's young talent and rebuild a winning culture in New Orleans.New Orleans Today

The New Orleans Pelicans will consider retaining James Borrego as their full-time head coach after he took over on an interim basis midway through the 2025-26 season. Borrego guided the team to a 24-46 record following the firing of previous head coach Willie Green, and he made a case for the permanent position in his end-of-season press conference.

Why it matters

The Pelicans are in a pivotal offseason as they look to build a winning culture around star player Zion Williamson. Hiring the right head coach will be crucial to their efforts to return to the playoffs after consecutive 50-loss seasons.

The details

Borrego, who previously served as head coach of the Charlotte Hornets from 2018-2022, took over the Pelicans on an interim basis in November after the team's 2-10 start under Willie Green. Despite the early-season turmoil, Borrego was able to steady the ship and keep the locker room together, even as the Pelicans struggled to a 24-46 record for the season.

  • Borrego took over as Pelicans interim head coach in November 2025.
  • The Pelicans went 24-46 under Borrego for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
  • Borrego made his case to become the full-time head coach at the team's end-of-season press conference on Monday.

The players

James Borrego

The Pelicans' interim head coach who is being considered for the permanent position. Borrego previously served as head coach of the Charlotte Hornets from 2018-2022.

Willie Green

The former Pelicans head coach who was fired early in the 2025-26 season after the team's 2-10 start.

Zion Williamson

The Pelicans' star player who the team is hoping to build a winning culture around.

Joe Dumars

The Pelicans' lead executive who will make the decision on the team's next head coach.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's an honor to be the head coach of the Pelicans. … It's an honor to coach these guys. To be part of this franchise. I belong. I love this city. I love this community. This franchise. I love these players. Now, it's about building into the future. … I feel connected to this franchise.”

— James Borrego, Pelicans Interim Head Coach

What’s next

The Pelicans are scheduled to hold a press conference on Tuesday where lead executive Joe Dumars will discuss the team's plans for the offseason, including the head coaching search.

The takeaway

Borrego's ability to keep the Pelicans' locker room together and instill a sense of competitiveness despite the team's struggles could make him an attractive candidate to take over the head coaching job permanently. However, Dumars will likely explore other options as he looks to build a winning culture in New Orleans.