The Pelicans’ top 6 options to replace Willie Green and save Zion Williamson’s career

After a disastrous 2-10 start, The New Orleans Pelicans have moved on from Willie Green. EVP Joe Dumars could no longer ignore the sour vibes at the Smoothie King Center that lingered after the decision to skip the coach’s pregame introductions. A four-game losing streak to start the season, characterized by the usual defensive and tangible lapses lack of on-court chemistry around Zaon Williamsonhe brought the situation to breaking point. The latest loss to the Los Angeles Lakers was the final straw in a city that was begging for a new bartender, basketball-wise.

Apparently, the air in New Orleans is thick with more than just moisture; waiting for changes is difficult. It is no longer a question of if, but who. Who has the stature, the plan and the strength to take advantage of this team’s huge but fleeting potential?

The coaching carousel is already spinning. Behind the scenes, there is skepticism led by an assistant James Borrego would replace Green permanently. According to an isolated source, Dumars is quietly looking for someone to completely shake up the organization and reset the culture as the next head coach.

Still, Borrego earned respect inside the building, especially for his hands-on work with Williamson during pregame routines. The Pelicans prevented him from interviewing elsewhere this summer, suggesting he remains part of their long-term plans in some capacity. Continuity could help in the pursuit of an NBA Play-In tournament spot if the front office has a temporary label.

As for the bigger names like Taylor Jenkins or Mike Malone, multiple sources tell ClutchPoint they believe both are “waiting for this,” possibly until the trade deadline, when the direction of the front office becomes clearer. If someone were to take the job in the middle of the season, the focus is expected to be on resetting the culture first and the standings second. That approach would greatly benefit Jeremy Fears and Derrick Quins, though the era of Jordan Poole and Zion Williamson could be fast approaching.

Identifying the six most impressive coaches who could be tasked with picking up the pieces is pretty simple. Getting one of them to take the job is another matter. That’s why one former Pelicans player was mentioned as an option by a former NBA executive, though probably in jest. Rajon Rondo has been spotted doing “spotter” workouts over the past 18 months, for those who want to follow the big odds.

Again, Borrego is already in the building. He was somewhat limited under Willie Green, but was spotted by ClutchPoints working with Zion Williamson more often during pregame warmups. Known for his exceptional offensive system and development-focused approach, Borrego would have to excel in the interim coaching interview process. The most skeptical fans will be watching to see if ownership will simply remove the temporary tag immediately or conduct a wider search at the end of the season.

The Pelicans need a proven winner

Michael Malone is the crown jewel of the NBA coaching market. The 54-year-old is more than just a tactician; he is a culture builder who establishes standards and accountability. He knows how to build an ecosystem around generational frontcourt talent with defensive determination, just what the Pelicans need to reflect the city’s fragile identity.

Shockingly fired by the Denver Nuggets with just three games remaining in the 2024-25 season, Malone is the winningest coach in Mile High history with a 510-394 regular season record and 44-36 playoff record. He led the Nuggets from the regular season lottery to the 2023 NBA championship, proving the ability to navigate the basketball postseason while developing young talent and managing a star’s ego. Those are two invaluable traits for maximizing Zion Williamson’s prime years.

Well, if Williamson passes the trade deadline. Anyone taking on the job will want clarity on that front. Some will want personnel authority given the lack of draft picks in 2026. Either way, the biggest question is whether Malone would be interested in getting back into rebuilding mode so soon.

It’s time for tough love

For a team desperate for defensive discipline, Tom Thibodeau it’s nonsense. The two-time NBA Coach of the Year (2011, 2021) has a career winning percentage of .579 (578-420) and led the Bulls to back-to-back No. 1 seeds and a conference finals appearance in 2011. Recently dumped by the Knicks after five seasons with a 56.5% winning percentage and a run to the Eastern Conference Finals, his trademark could rally the uncommitted players and solidify the lost Pelicans.

Thibodeau’s structured style has revived franchises before, ending the Timberwolves’ 14-year playoff drought in 2017-18. However, it might not work for the same reasons Stan Van Gundy ran out of town. A demanding approach and desire for control over scheduling decisions may conflict with Troy Weaver’s vision.

Mike Budenholzer’s consistent success in the small market will be attractive. The two-time Coach of the Year with a .589 (520-363) winning percentage guided the Milwaukee Bucks to a title in 2021 and led the rookie Atlanta Hawks to a franchise-best 60-22 record in 2014-15. His offensive schemes built around ball movement and spacing could unlock the potential of Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy in a way Green didn’t.

A proven track record with stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo suggests ‘Budz’ could quickly instill a winning mentality. His big-name profile could help with recruiting and credibility. However, a recent stint with the Phoenix Suns didn’t go well at all, lasting just one season. Decision makers on Airline Drive will be asking questions about the 56-year-old’s fit for a team in flux. He may be better suited to a stable roster than a rebuild, especially if it requires some of the power of Weaver’s roster.

Frank Vogel is not flashy, just fundamental. The 2020 champion coach with the Los Angeles Lakers and the main defensive mastermind behind the Indiana Pacers’ battles with the Miami Heat has a .532 career winning percentage and 49 postseason wins.

Currently an assistant with the Dallas Mavericks after a brief run in Phoenix, Vogel remains one of the league’s best defensive minds. The 52-year-old’s ability to maximize Trey Murphy’s length and Zion Williamson’s athleticism would solve those chronic lapses and third-quarter collapses. He’s also adept at managing egos and expectations, which is vital for a young roster that hasn’t found its collective voice.

Sam Cassel is an up-and-coming option ready for his first head coaching gig. As the leading assistant for Boston under Joe Mazzula, he contributed to their championship in 2024 and was named the top assistant in the NBA GM polls (7% in 2023, 15% in 2024). A former championship winner himself, Cassel’s strength lies in quarterback development and building playoff contenders, with previous stints under Doc Rivers in Los Angeles and Philadelphia.

Cassell could be just what the front office needs to regain the confidence of the locker room. While the four-time NBA champion (three players, one coach) lacks head coaching experience, Kessel is an excellent hire for a team that is thinking about long-term growth. Will the fans give the front office room for such a speculative engagement? Probably not if judged solely on the potential increase in merchandise and ticket sales. The name just doesn’t move the needle much, but then again, neither does Green.

We’re talking about Taylor Jenkins

Fans should consider what makes the bigger difference in 2019, replacing Zion and Ja Morant or Taylor Jenkins and Alvin Gentry? The smart money is on the coaches, given what we now know about Williamson’s injury woes. Jenkins is an advanced coach with a proven track record of developing a young core with or without a star. Morant missed a lot of time, but the Grizzlies were constantly fighting for a top four seed.

The 39-year-old became the Grizzlies’ all-time winningest coach (250-214) by establishing a tough, competitive identity and consistently exceeding expectations despite terrible injury luck. His strength in player development and tactical sophistication make him an ideal fit for the Pelicans. While he lacks the championship pedigree of other options, Jenkins offers a modern approach and the ability to mesh with a younger team.