Image Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

New Orleans Pelicans Fire Willie Green After 2–10 Start, James Borrego Named Interim Coach

Image Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Pelicans dismissed head coach Willie Green on Saturday following a 2-10 start to the season. The move came after a 118-104 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, which extended the team’s losing streak to four games. Green, in the opening weeks of his fifth season, became the first NBA head coach fired this year.

Top assistant James Borrego, a former Charlotte Hornets head coach, was promoted to interim coach. Borrego previously led Charlotte for four seasons and also served as interim head coach in Orlando during the 2014-15 campaign.

Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced the decision, calling it difficult but necessary. “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 said. Team owner Gayle Benson echoed those sentiments, praising Green’s character while stressing her expectation for a winning team.

The #Pelicans have relieved Willie Green of his duties as head coach, it was announced today by Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars.

Associate Head Coach James Borrego has been named interim head coach.

“After careful evaluation, we have made the… pic.twitter.com/cpnAR70V3o
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 15, 2025

New Orleans had entered the season with optimism. Zion Williamson appeared in strong condition, and the team added Jordan Poole and Kevon Looney while drafting Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. The returns of Trey Murphy and Herb Jones from shoulder surgeries also raised hopes. However, the Pelicans struggled with rebounding, defense, and offensive rhythm, losing their first six games, including blowout defeats to Boston, Denver, and Oklahoma City.

Williamson’s Recurring Injuries Undermine Pelicans’ Progress

Zion Williamson’s health issues compounded matters. He missed time with a foot bruise and later a hamstring injury, continuing a pattern of absences that has plagued his career. Since Green’s hiring in 2021, Williamson has played in just 134 of 340 games.

Last season, injuries derailed the Pelicans, who finished 14th in the West with 21 wins. Williamson was shut down in March with a back injury, Dejounte Murray tore his Achilles after 31 games, and Murphy and Jones combined for 71 appearances.

Despite those setbacks, New Orleans reached the 2024 playoffs as the No. 8 seed but was swept by Oklahoma City. They also made the postseason in 2022, losing to Phoenix in the first round.

Willie Green compiled a 150-190 record in four-plus seasons. His tenure included two playoff appearances and a play-in berth in 2023, but inconsistency and injuries defined his run. Dumars, who replaced David Griffin this year, had retained Green entering the final season of his contract before deciding to make a change.

The Pelicans will host the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night in their first game under Borrego.