### Pelicans Part Ways with Willie Green After Disappointing Start to the Season The New Orleans Pelicans have made a significant coaching change, firing head coach Willie Green after a disappointing 2-10 start to the 2025-26 NBA season. This decision comes after a series of poor performances, including a six-game losing streak and multiple blowout losses, which ultimately led to Green's dismissal in his fifth season with the team. James Borrego, previously the associate head coach, has been appointed as the interim coach to guide the team moving forward. The Pelicans' management, led by executive vice president Joe Dumars, cited a lack of structure and mounting losses as key reasons for the change, emphasizing the need for immediate improvement in a highly competitive Western Conference [https://www.skysports.com/nba/news/36226/13471081/nba-new-orleans-pelicans-fire-head-coach-willie-green-after-2-10-start-to-the-season-with-james-borrego-placed-in-interim-charge][https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/new-orleans-pelicans/news/pelicans-fire-willie-green-record-new-orleans-coaching-change/ca6aee27fa80c674a668f2be]. ### Breakdown of the Coaching Change and Its Implications 1. **Reasons for Dismissal**: - The Pelicans started the season with a 2-10 record, including a historic low where they lost three of their first six games by over 30 points [https://www.espn.ph/nba/story/_/id/46974538/sources-pelicans-fire-coach-willie-green-amid-2-10-start]. - The team experienced a lack of structure and consistent performance, prompting management to take action [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nba/top-stories/why-did-the-new-orleans-pelicans-end-their-partnership-with-willie-green-and-can-the-team-recover-from-a-2-10-start-under-new-head-coach/articleshow/125357556.cms]. 2. **Interim Coach Appointment**: - James Borrego has been named interim head coach. He previously served as head coach for the Charlotte Hornets and brings experience to the role [https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/nba/pelicans-fire-willie-green/4302816]. - The Pelicans are looking for immediate improvements under Borrego's leadership as they aim to salvage their season [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/pelicans_fire_willie_green_name_knicks_interviewee_interim/s1_17201_43071950]. 3. **Future Considerations**: - The Pelicans are currently at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, and the urgency to turn the season around is critical, especially with a first-round draft pick owed to the Atlanta Hawks [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/pelicans_dismiss_head_coach_willie_green/s1_14822_43071772]. - The management's decision reflects a commitment to improving team performance and maintaining competitiveness in the league [https://www.thescore.com/nba/news/3398644/pelicans-fire-willie-green-after-2-10-start-to-season]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Current Season Performance**: - Record: 2 wins, 10 losses - Notable losses: Three games lost by 30+ points in the first six games, marking a historic low for the franchise [https://www.espn.ph/nba/story/_/id/46974538/sources-pelicans-fire-coach-willie-green-amid-2-10-start]. - **Coaching Tenure**: - Willie Green's overall record with the Pelicans: 150 wins, 190 losses over four-plus seasons. - Playoff appearances: Led the team to the playoffs in 2021-22 and 2023-24, but faced first-round exits both times [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/struggling_pelicans_make_decision_on_hc_willie_green/s1_13132_43071744]. ### Conclusion: A Critical Turning Point for the Pelicans In summary, the New Orleans Pelicans' decision to fire Willie Green marks a pivotal moment in their 2025-26 season. The team's poor start, characterized by a lack of structure and significant losses, necessitated a change in leadership. With James Borrego stepping in as interim coach, the Pelicans are now tasked with the challenge of turning their season around amidst high expectations and the pressure of a competitive Western Conference. The management's commitment to improvement is clear, and the upcoming games will be crucial in determining the team's trajectory for the remainder of the season [https://www.thescore.com/nba/news/3398644/pelicans-fire-willie-green-after-2-10-start-to-season][https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/nba/pelicans-fire-willie-green/4302816].