Ex-76ers Player Linked to New Orleans Pelicans Coaching Search

Kevin Ollie, Jamahl Mosley, and James Borrego are among the candidates to become the Pelicans' next head coach.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:22am

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of blue, green, and orange, conceptually representing the various factors and perspectives involved in the Pelicans' coaching search.A fractured, multi-perspective illustration of the Pelicans' coaching search, capturing the complex dynamics and diverse candidates vying for the position.New Orleans Today

The New Orleans Pelicans are searching for a new head coach after a disappointing 26-56 season. Former Philadelphia 76ers player Kevin Ollie is reportedly one of the candidates being considered for the job, along with current Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley and interim Pelicans coach James Borrego.

Why it matters

The Pelicans are looking to turn their fortunes around after missing the playoffs, and hiring an experienced coach with a track record of player development could be key to their success. Ollie's previous coaching experience, including a stint as the interim head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, makes him an intriguing candidate.

The details

Ollie played six seasons with the 76ers over multiple stints, appearing in 280 games and averaging 2.7 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. After retiring as a player, he became an assistant coach at UConn before taking over as the head coach in 2012. He later joined the Overtime Elite program and the Brooklyn Nets as an assistant, earning the interim head coach title during the 2023-2024 season. The Pelicans finished the 2025-2026 NBA season with a 26-56 record, missing the playoffs.

  • Ollie was previously linked to the Detroit Pistons' coaching vacancy in 2023, when the hiring process was overseen by current Pelicans general manager Troy Weaver.

The players

Kevin Ollie

A former Philadelphia 76ers player who has coaching experience, including a stint as the interim head coach of the Brooklyn Nets. He is one of the candidates being considered for the Pelicans' head coaching job.

James Borrego

The current interim head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, who will get a chance to state his case to retain the job.

Jamahl Mosley

The current head coach of the Orlando Magic, who is also expected to be a top candidate for the Pelicans' coaching job if he is not retained by the Magic.

Troy Weaver

The current general manager of the New Orleans Pelicans, who previously oversaw the Detroit Pistons' coaching search in 2023 when Ollie was a candidate.

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What they’re saying

“Borrego will be a candidate to retain the job going forward, but others are also expected to be in the mix, including Darvin Ham and Kevin Ollie, league sources told HoopsHype. In addition, league sources say current Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley has several admirers in New Orleans. Should Mosley not be retained by Orlando after the season, he would also be towards the top of the coaching candidate list for New Orleans.”

— Michael Scotto, HoopsHype Reporter

What’s next

The Pelicans will conduct a thorough coaching search in the offseason, with Borrego, Ollie, and Mosley among the top candidates being considered.

The takeaway

The Pelicans' coaching search highlights the importance of finding the right leader to guide the team's development and return them to the playoffs. Ollie's NBA experience and track record of player development make him an intriguing candidate, but the Pelicans will also consider other options like Borrego and Mosley to find the best fit for the organization.