Rajon Rondo emerges as a candidate for a head-coaching job

Rajon Rondo could find himself roaming the sidelines as a head coach, beginning in the 2026-27 NBA season.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Rondo is among those the New Orleans Pelicans are considering to be the team’s next head coach.

“League sources say Rondo has been interviewed for the post after serving as a special assistant on Doc Rivers’ Milwaukee staff. Rondo is said to have felt his first coaching itch while recovering from a torn ACL as a Celtic, prompting Brad Stevens to bring him into staff meetings,” Stein wrote on his Substack.

It’s not surprising to hear that the 40-year-old Rondo has a strong interest in coaching in the Association. He displayed his high basketball IQ throughout his playing days, earning him a reputation as one of the league’s smartest players. 

Being an intelligent point guard, however, doesn’t always equate to a successful coaching career. Rondo also has no head-coaching experience since he officially hung up his sneakers in 2024.

The four-time NBA All-Star Rondo had a stint as a guest on the Milwaukee Bucks’ coaching staff under his former Boston Celtics head coach, Doc Rivers, during the 2025–26 regular season. However, he would be making a giant leap to the top of the Pelicans’ coaching hierarchy if he lands the job.

Rondo, who won an NBA title with the Celtics in 2008, appeared in 65 games (63 starts) for the Pelicans during the 2017-18 season.

H/T HoopsHype