Has Willie Green hinted at an imminent departure?
With the 2025-26 NBA season just a month away, one coach is seemingly on the hot seat, according to rumors. New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green. The Pelicans had a bad start to the season and rumors continued to swirl that Greene’s firing might be imminent.
The latest bit of drama hinting at a possible change at the helm appears to have come from Green himself. It’s customary for NBA teams to announce the head coach during pregame introductions, and in the last few Pelicans home games, Willie Green has not been mentioned during the introductions. When asked about the change, Green denied any involvement.
“My focus is just on the game, whatever it takes to go out there and be the best,” Green said. “Whether they announce me or not, I’m fine with the decision that was made.”
The Pelicans started the season 0-6 before picking up their first win against the Charlotte Hornets last week. They had a short two-game winning streak before losing two more games. To add to Pelican’s misery, Zion Williamson is currently sidelined with an injury, as is Jordan Poolethe team’s major offseason acquisition.
Green is currently in his fifth season as the head coach of the Pelicans, and compiled a combined record of 148-180 in the four seasons prior to this one. Entering this year, Green had led the Pelicans to two playoff appearances in those four seasons, losing both times in the first round.
Green initially got his shot at coaching after retirement when he became an assistant with the Golden State Warriors in 2016. He remained with the Warriors until 2019 when he joined the Phoenix Suns as an assistant. The Pelicans hired him as their head coach in 2021.
2025-11-13 01:18:00
