Pelicans Fire Willie Green, Name Knicks Interviewee Interim

Green leaves with a 150-190 record across four-plus seasons. He guided the Pelicans to the postseason in 2022 and 2024. His tenure included progress, but also lingering frustration. A slow start in a brutal Western Conference has threatened to sink the entire season. The Pelicans also owe Atlanta an unprotected first-rounder in next summer’s draft. It would be irresponsible to gift them a top draft pick in a historically deep draft. Leadership understood the stakes.

Borrego Steps In as Interim Leader

New Orleans acted quickly to install structure. The Pelicans named James Borrego interim head coach minutes after announcing Green’s exit. The move surprised no one inside the organization. The front office had blocked Borrego from pursuing other assistant jobs earlier in the offseason. The intent was always clear. They saw him as the emergency successor if the season unraveled.

Borrego brings prior head-coaching experience. He served as Orlando’s interim coach in 2015 and guided the Hornets for four seasons. He also interviewed with the Knicks when they explored a Tom Thibodeau replacement. His tactical background and developmental focus made him one of the league’s most sought-after assistants. Now he inherits a roster that needs direction and belief.

Benson and Dumars Signal a New Direction

Dumars framed the decision with candor. “After careful evaluation, we have made the difficult decision to make a change at head coach,” he said. “I have the utmost respect for Willie Green.” He thanked Green for his service but stressed the urgency of repositioning the franchise. Benson echoed that tone. “This is a tough business and these are difficult decisions,” she said. “My expectation is to be a winning team that competes for championships.”

This leadership alignment marks a shift. Earlier internal disagreements about Green’s future no longer hang over the franchise. Dumars holds full operational control, and ownership supports every move.

The Road Ahead Under Borrego

The next weeks will test both roster and resolve. The Pelicans’ decision to fire Willie Green resets expectations. James Borrego’s Interim era begins under pressure and scrutiny. Borrego must steady a locker room shaken by a brutal start. He must also balance development with competitiveness, knowing the franchise cannot afford to hand Atlanta a premium lottery asset.

The stakes are unmistakable. The front office expects immediate improvement. The organization aims to avoid a wasted season. With Willie Green officially fired and James Borrego stepping in as interim coach, the Pelicans now enter a defining stretch.