Apr 16, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts with New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green on a time out in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers during a play-in game of the 2024 NBA playoffs against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

New Report on Willie Green's Future With Pelicans

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Apr 14, 2025 4:07 PM ET

Just one day after their 2024-25 season came to an end, the New Orleans Pelicans announced a franchise-defining decision.

The Pelicans have announced that they are not bringing back executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin, clouding the franchise with uncertainty moving forward. The Pelicans are coming off one of their worst seasons in franchise history, finishing in 14th place in the Western Conference with a 21-61 record.

With Griffin out of New Orleans, Pelicans head coach Willie Green's future with the team comes into question, but he is reportedly sticking around for now.

"Willie Green will remain Pelicans coach for now, per league source. Once Pelicans hire a new lead executive, that person will have say on Green's future," The Athletic's Will Guillory reports.

Willie Green will remain Pelicans coach for now, per league source. Once Pelicans hire a new lead executive, that person will have say on Green's future.
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) April 14, 2025

Green just finished his fourth season as the Pelicans' head coach, putting together a 148-180 regular-season record and two playoff appearances with a 2-8 record. The Pelicans have had terrible injury luck, and making Green a scapegoat is certainly not a great idea, but it could come down to what Hall of Famer Joe Dumars decides.

The Pelicans are reportedly eying NBA legend Joe Dumars to replace Griffin as their lead basketball executive, potentially putting Green's fate as the franchise's head coach in his hands.

The Pelicans and Dumars are expected to engage in conversations to finalize a deal by the end of the week, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/Dgzvaanwkd
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 14, 2025

The Pelicans certainly have a busy offseason ahead of them and wasted no time by parting ways with Griffin to get things started. With some experienced head coaches hitting the market, the Pelicans could look to move on from Griffin and get a proven coach to come in, but for now, Griffin's job is safe.

This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: