After firing head coach Willie Green 12 games into the season and promoting James Borrego to the interim spot, coaching has become a trending topic for the New Orleans Pelicans. Obviously, Borrego has done a solid job manning the ship since the team parted ways with Green, but at the same time, the Pelicans would be fools not to explore other options at least this summer.
Unfortunately for the Pelicans faithful, most people's dream of hiring former Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone is off the board.
Sources: North Carolina intends to hire longtime NBA coach Michael Malone as the school’s next basketball coach. He’s an NBA Championship coach with the Denver Nuggets from the 2022-23 season and has won 510 games as an NBA head coach. pic.twitter.com/JwJmUNRLQT
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 6, 2026
The Championship-winning coach made a shocking move, deciding to take his talents to Chapel Hill and coach the University of North Carolina. The idea of the Pelicans hiring Malone in the first place was already a pipe dream, and his decision to head to the ACC is a prime example of why.
To think that, after his last coaching stint with a team that was a perennial finals contender and had the best player in the world, he would end up in New Orleans was just ridiculous. Sure, Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver likely had his name circled in red and at the top of their list of potential head coaching candidates, but what team with a potential opening wouldn't? But to think that coming over to New Orleans and taking on the trainwreck that this team has become over the last two seasons is simply crazy.
Pelicans must shift focus to realistic coaching options
Don't get me wrong, Malone would've been great and could've been a perfect person to help players like Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears grow, while still establishing a winning culture. But it was never realistic, and instead, fans should shift their focus to other potential candidates.
Two names mentioned are Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham and Orlando Magic head coach Jahmal Mosley, with the assumption that if Orlando falters in the playoffs, he could be let go. These two names don't have the prestige or aura to them that Mike Malone has, but that's just the reality for the Pelicans. With no cap space, no top 10 pick, and a mixed bag for a roster that is clearly between two different timelines, the intrigue for the Pels' opening may be lower than any other team.
The Pelicans don't need to hire the biggest name; they just need to hire the right name. When looking at this group, it's clear they need a coach who can bring structure to a roster lacking identity and direction. With so much about the future of New Orleans Pelicans basketball unclear, this hire could define the next five years of the franchise.