Did Pelicans Fire Coach Wille Green? New Orleans’ Locker Room Trouble Surrounding Lineup Decisions Explored

The New Orleans Pelicans have started the 2025-26 season with a 0-4 record. According to Brett Siegel of “ClutchPoints,” the Pelicans are holding serious internal discussions about moving on from coach Willie Green.

Green’s job has been under fire in the past but thankfully, the backing of the team’s owners has kept in on the touchline. New Orleans’ Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars and new members of the front office have been gunning for his removal.

Former Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin wanted to part ways with Green. However, he was given the sack and replaced by Dumars.

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According to sources, the team's players have become frustrated with his lineup. The dissatisfaction has been noticeable from the players’ body language on the bench and in the tunnel. Green’s decision to start veteran center DeAndre Jordan over All-Rookie center Yves Missi against Denver raised eyebrows.

What’s next for New Orleans Pelicans?

While Coach Willie Green remains at the helm, it’s a matter of time before he’s shown the exit. A leading candidate to take over will be assistant coach James Borrego.

Oct 27, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans guard Jose Alvarado (15) talks with head coach Willie Green during the second half against the Boston Celtics at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Borrego has interviewed with several teams for the head coach position and should fit in smoothly. He has been seen conversing more with franchise cornerstone Zion Williamson more often during warmups and routine.

New Orleans suffered their fourth loss against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. They lost 122-88, with Williamson finishing with 11 points and two assists.

Oct 29, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; New Orleans forward Zion Williamson (1) passes the ball as Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) defends in the third quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Green was hired in 2021. Since then, he has posted a 148-184 record with the Pelicans. He took them to the playoffs in 2022 and 2024.

Next for New Orleans is another road game against the LA Clippers on Friday. Then they will play the defending champions, OKC Thunder on Sunday.

Edited by Ubong Richard