New Orleans Pelicans: The 6 Best Coaches Left in the Bubble

The New Orleans Pelicans’ next head coach might still be in the bubble.

The New Orleans Pelicans‘ coaching search has been slow and quiet so far, with no names or information leaking from David Griffin’s crew.

It’s clear the Pelicans were planning to fire Alvin Gentry before the bubble meltdown, so it’s possible they already have a clear idea of who they want.

One of the reasons we have not heard much is that the Pelicans may have their eye on a coach who is still coaching.

This would make sense, as a lot of head coaching candidates start as assistants on successful teams. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Pelicans pulled someone out of the assistant coaching ranks to be their next head coach.

Jacque Vaughn is an interesting name, as he did a good job as interim coach for the Brooklyn Nets, but he is no longer in the bubble, as the Nets were swept by Toronto. He is a wildcard name who might get an interview with the Pels.

Here are the six best coaches remaining in the bubble, one of which could be the next head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans.

Adrian Griffin-Toronto Raptors

We profiled Adrian Griffin here, but just for a quick recap: He has spent time under Scott Skiles before working for five years with Tom Thibodeau in Chicago.

He then went on to coach under Billy Donovan in OKC and current Coach of the Year Nick Nurse in Toronto. Griffin has a strong coaching tree and background in teaching defense.

If you want an up and coming assistant with pedigree, Griffin is a good choice.

Dan Craig-Miami Heat

Dan Craig is another young assistant that we’ve mentioned in the past. Miami has a history of producing great coaches from within, and Craig very well could be the next.

Craig won G-League coach of the year after winning the G-League championship and he has since become Erik Spoelstra’s right hand man. Pat Riley knows how to make coaches and the Pels could be getting their own Spoelstra in Craig.