The Pelicans will begin searching for a new head coach this week, with Borrego, Ham, Ollie, and Mosley emerging as top candidates.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the New Orleans Pelicans will officially begin the selection process for their new head coach this week. He further pointed out that 48-year-old James Borrego has become a strong contender for the Pelicans' head coaching position.

In November 2025, the Pelicans officially announced the dismissal of Willie Green as head coach. They subsequently appointed Green's assistant coach, Borrego, as interim head coach until the end of the 2025/26 season.

Under Borrego's leadership, the Pelicans climbed from the bottom of the Western Conference to 11th place. They ultimately finished the regular season with a record of 26 wins and 56 losses, during which Borrego led the team to 24 wins and 46 losses.

Before joining the Pelicans, Borrego coached the Charlotte Hornets for four years (2018-2022). During his tenure, he achieved a record of 138 wins and 163 losses, and led the team to the play-in tournament twice.

Besides Borrego, the Pelicans' management is also closely monitoring Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Davin Hamm, former Brooklyn Nets assistant coach Kevin Ollie, and Orlando Magic head coach Jamal Mosley. They hope the new coach can build a playoff core around Zion Williamson and Trae Murphy III, while also taking on the responsibility of developing rookies Jeremiah Fils and Derrick Quinn.

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