The New Orleans Pelicans are heading into one of the most consequential offseasons in franchise history. After a turbulent 2025-26 season defined by injuries, a mid-season coaching change, and a losing record, the front office is now preparing to make a major decision at head coach, and the name generating the most buzz may surprise you.
James Borrego stepped in as interim head coach after Willie Green was dismissed following a 2–10 start, inheriting a locker room ravaged by injuries. While Borrego earned respect from the roster, sources familiar with the situation suggest the Pelicans are unlikely to remove his interim tag for the 2026-27 campaign.
Borrego himself has stayed gracious, telling Scoop B: “There’s been a lot to this season… it’s been a lot of highs and lows, but I enjoy and love the journey with this group.”
Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham is the one name being thrown around by the Pelicans’ front office this summer, according to Scoop B.
Ham was the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers when they reached the Western Conference Finals and won the In-Season Tournament before he became a Bucks assistant.
He is known as a great motivator which is one reason why he would be a good match for a team of talented young players led by Zion Williamson.
Why Darvin Ham Fits the Pelicans’ Moment
Darvin Ham is a good match for the Pelicans right now because one of his strengths is developing deep relationships with players and also being able to call even top players to account.
During his two seasons with the Lakers, his name came up frequently as one of the coaches who earned players’ respect in the locker room while maintaining a firm, go-ahead standard.
Under his leadership, the Lakers made it to the Western Conference Finals in 2023 and also won the very first NBA In-Season Tournament, showing that he is capable of handling big-time pressure situations along with superstar egos.
It is that same experience of working intensively with LeBron James and Anthony Davis that makes him a perfect cultural match for a New Orleans team centered on Zion Williamson, a type of dominant, injury-prone superstar who, just like LeBron, requires both daily protection and structure.
They want a person who can connect with Zion, Brandon Ingram, and the young core, but who is also not afraid to engage in difficult conversations.
The Pelicans’ Broader Coaching Search
The search landscape hints that it will be a very comprehensive process rather than a quick hire. Jamahl Mosley has been mentioned as a supposed candidate.
Besides that, New Orleans is likely to look widely at a variety of names, including those familiar to the national media, former players, and promising assistants before they decide on a long-term option.
Ham’s current role as the top assistant under Doc Rivers in Milwaukee makes the situation even more complicated; the Bucks are known for their close, detail-oriented culture, and releasing one of their most respected coaches would certainly be a difficult decision for the team.
Pelicans Could Make a Shocking Coaching Change This Offseason