The New Orleans Pelicans have fired head coach Willie Green after a 2-10 start to the 2025-26 season, marking the first coaching change of the NBA year. Associate head coach James Borrego has been named interim coach. The move comes amid ongoing injuries and poor performance, including three 30-point losses in the first six games.
The New Orleans Pelicans announced the firing of head coach Willie Green on Saturday, November 15, 2025, following a dismal 2-10 record early in his fifth season. Green, hired in 2021 after serving as an assistant with the Phoenix Suns, compiled a 150-190 record with the team. His tenure included two playoff appearances, with first-round losses to the Phoenix Suns in 2022 and Oklahoma City Thunder in 2024, as well as a play-in elimination by the Thunder in 2023. The Pelicans' best season under Green was 49-33 in 2023-24, their strongest mark since the Chris Paul era.
Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars, who replaced David Griffin after last season's 21-61 finish, made the decision. "After careful evaluation, we have made the difficult decision to make a change at head coach," Dumars said in a statement. "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." Dumars emphasized that the change was driven by the team's repeated style of losing, not just the record: "We have to establish that we're going to play hard every night."
Owner Gayle Benson supported the move, stating, "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."
James Borrego, a former Charlotte Hornets head coach from 2018-2022 where he went 138-163, steps in as interim. He also served as interim coach for the Orlando Magic in 2014-15. Borrego, who joined the Pelicans in 2023, said, "It's a tough day. I've been fired. Willie believed in me, trusted me, brought me in. We all own it. It's not just on him." He expects to remain in the role through the season and plans potential changes, such as increased minutes for rookie Derik Queen.
Injuries have plagued the Pelicans, with Zion Williamson playing only five games this season due to a hamstring strain after a bruised foot, averaging 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists. Dejounte Murray is recovering from a torn Achilles from January, and Jordan Poole missed time with a quadriceps strain. The team opened with a six-game losing streak, surrendering at least 120 points in five straight games, and recently lost 118-104 to the Los Angeles Lakers, extending a four-game skid.
Borrego's debut comes Sunday against the Golden State Warriors, with Williamson listed as questionable. Rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen showed promise in the Lakers loss, with Fears posting 19 points and seven steals, and Queen grabbing 10 rebounds.