Pelicans Head Coach Decision Borrego or Darvin Ham

The New Orleans Pelicans face a pivotal offseason choice at head coach. Interim James Borrego will be considered, but former Lakers coach Darvin Ham is "another likely Pelicans target." Ham went 90-74 in two seasons with Los Angeles, reached the Western Conference Finals in year one, then returned to the Bucks as lead assistant after his firing. New Orleans finished 26-54 after the midseason change and looks set for another 2026 draft lottery pick. Merlin sees a crossroads between steadying the ship and chasing a faster rebuild. Borrego provided calm after Willie Green’s exit, yet Ham’s playoff track record and Bucks ties give him an edge if the Pelicans want experience and urgency. The hire will signal whether New Orleans prioritizes continuity or a clear reset.