METAIRIE, La. — The Pelicans have yet to finalize their list of coaching candidates and may consider keeping interim coach James Borrego permanently, according to New Orleans basketball operations head Joe Dumars.
“James Borrego is certainly a candidate. We don’t have a list right now and won’t release one publicly,” Dumars stated. “However, he is definitely in the mix for the permanent position moving forward.”
Dumars also mentioned his intention to seek input from external sources but did not indicate a specific timeline for making a decision on the new head coach. “My timeline focuses on making the right choice,” he emphasized.
Dumars addressed the media on Tuesday to reflect on a 2025-26 season that concluded with a record of 26-56. Borrego stepped in after Willie Green was let go following a tough 2-10 start, finishing the season with a record of 24-46.
Dumars praised Borrego’s leadership, noting, “His ability to communicate positively with the team made a big difference. He kept the team’s morale up in challenging circumstances.” He acknowledged Borrego’s efforts in maintaining optimism despite the setbacks.
While acknowledging the need to address the team’s performance history—having only won two first-round playoff series since the franchise’s return to New Orleans in 2002—Dumars dismissed concerns that retaining Borrego might signal complacency to fans yearning for success. “The viability of keeping a coach after a losing season is based on the individual and their relationship with the team,” he said.
Players, when asked about Borrego’s future, often deferred to Dumars but expressed their support for the interim coach. Power forward Zion Williamson commented on the difficult circumstances Borrego inherited and stated, “He made the most of his opportunity.” Borrego hopes to build on this season’s progress with a full offseason in charge, asserting that continuity could yield improvements for the Pelicans moving forward.
