The New Orleans Pelicans are preparing to part ways with interim head coach James Borrego, sources tell NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson. Borrego, who took over following Willie Green’s dismissal on November 15, 2025, will not be retained as the team looks to hire a permanent leader for the 2026-27 season.
Borrego, a former Charlotte Hornets head coach, inherited a 2–10 start and a roster plagued by injuries. While he maintained focus and accountability in the locker room, the Pelicans have struggled all season, holding a 25–51 record with six games remaining.
A central storyline this season was Dejounte Murray’s return from a fractured hand and Achilles rupture, sidelining him for nearly 16 months. Murray played 13 games under Borrego, averaging 17.3 points, 6.5 assists, and 5.2 rebounds, highlighting his resilience and leadership on a struggling squad.
Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III have carried the scoring load, averaging 21.3 and 21.7 points per game, respectively, while Saddiq Bey has added 17.4 points per contest. Despite individual performances, the team’s record and inconsistency reinforced the front office’s decision to pursue a new direction.
The Pelicans’ search will prioritize coaches with prior NBA head coaching experience and ties to front office leadership, with league sources noting Darvin Ham and Kevin Ollie as potential candidates. Other high-profile tacticians like Mike Budenholzer, Frank Vogel, and Michael Malone could also be considered to maximize the franchise’s competitive window.
Borrego’s “Gridiron DNA” philosophy resonated within the locker room, drawing parallels between basketball and football to emphasize toughness, but the front office appears ready for an external hire to lead the team into 2026-27.
New Orleans has taken a deliberate approach by letting Borrego finish nearly the full season, giving leadership time to evaluate roster needs and long-term strategy. The organization aims to install a permanent head coach capable of restoring competitiveness and stability while aligning with the culture shift envisioned by Troy Weaver and Joe Dumars.
