Rumors around the New Orleans Pelicans next head coach are intensifying with latest reports naming Rajon Rondo and Darvin Ham, among others, as potential candidates to replace Willie Green.
The New Orleans Pelicans wrapped up the 2025–26 NBA season with a 26–56 record, finishing as the 11th seed in the Western Conference. Because they do not control their 2026 first-round pick, the team had no reason to intentionally tank, and their record ultimately reflected their on-court struggles, with the 2026 offseason expected to bring significant changes.
The franchise has already moved on from head coach Willie Green after his four-year stint ended following the regular season, and the search for a replacement is underway. Other teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, and Orlando Magic, are also in the market for new head coaches, with additional openings expected before the playoffs conclude. As a result, New Orleans is moving quickly to identify its next leader.
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick on Tuesday, the Pelicans are seriously evaluating former Los Angeles Lakers head coach and current Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham, along with former NBA champion guard Rajon Rondo, among their candidates.
“New Orleans has been deliberating over finalists Darvin Ham (a Bucks associate head coach under Rivers), Steve Hetzel (Brooklyn assistant), Sean Sweeney (San Antonio associate head coach), and Rajon Rondo (a coaching associate with the Bucks). Mosley has long been believed to be a possible candidate if he became available, but it’s unclear as of yet if he’ll be added to the list.”
With a diverse group of finalists in consideration, here’s a closer look at each candidate.
1. Darvin Ham
Darvin Ham has not held a head coaching position since his two-year run with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2022 to 2024, a tenure that included a surprising 2023 Western Conference Finals appearance. His firing following a difficult 2023–24 season sparked debate, especially as the Lakers quickly moved on to rookie head coach JJ Redick, while the organization has since stabilized. Ham has since served as a top assistant under Doc Rivers with the Milwaukee Bucks.
With Rivers potentially departing Milwaukee, Ham could also be in the mix for that opening. However, uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future could influence his decision-making, and the opportunity to lead a rebuilding Pelicans roster may appeal to him. Known for his defensive mindset, Ham could help establish a strong foundation while working with a young core after spending much of his coaching career with contending teams.
New Orleans features intriguing offensive talent in Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, as well as rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. Ham could provide structure and defensive identity while attempting to push the team back into playoff contention. If Milwaukee does not pursue him for a head coaching role, New Orleans could represent a logical landing spot.
2. Rajon Rondo
Rajon Rondo retired as one of the premier point guards of his era, playing a key role in the Boston Celtics’ 2008 championship run and later contributing to the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2020 title. Since retiring in 2022, he has frequently been mentioned as a future head coaching candidate.
Long regarded as one of the most intelligent guards in NBA history, Rondo brings strong leadership and basketball IQ—traits often associated with successful point guards-turned-coaches. He would also command respect in the locker room and could introduce a fresh perspective to the Pelicans’ structure. Notably, Rondo previously played for New Orleans during the 2017–18 season, one of the franchise’s stronger post-rebrand campaigns.
However, this option carries significant risk, as Rondo has limited coaching experience, with just one season as an assistant on the Milwaukee Bucks staff under Doc Rivers. While this may also place him in consideration for Milwaukee’s vacancy, that organization may prioritize a more established head coach to satisfy Antetokounmpo’s competitive window. If Rondo remains available, New Orleans could take a bold swing on his upside as a first-time head coach.
The comparison to JJ Redick—who became a head coach without prior NBA coaching experience—has been noted, suggesting a similar leap for Rondo is not out of the question. The Pelicans’ situation may offer a lower-pressure environment for him to grow into the role while attempting to elevate the roster.
3. Sean Sweeney
San Antonio Spurs associate head coach Sean Sweeney has emerged as one of the most frequently mentioned assistants in head coaching conversations across the league, with many viewing him as a strong candidate for a promotion this offseason.
Sweeney has built a strong résumé over more than a decade, beginning with the Brooklyn Nets under Jason Kidd in 2013. He later held roles with the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons before rejoining Kidd in Dallas, where he helped guide the Mavericks to both Western Conference Finals and an NBA Finals appearance during his tenure.
He later joined the Spurs under Mitch Johnson, where the team made a significant leap from a 28-win season to 60 wins and the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Sweeney is known for his balanced approach on both ends of the floor and his ability to manage high-profile players effectively.
Given his rising reputation, Sweeney is expected to draw strong interest this offseason. The Pelicans may need to act quickly, as multiple teams are likely to pursue him for head coaching roles.
4. Steve Hetzel
Brooklyn Nets assistant Steve Hetzel brings the most extensive coaching experience of the group, having begun his career in 2009 as a player development coach with the Detroit Pistons.
He later joined Steve Clifford’s staff with the Charlotte Hornets in 2014, spending four seasons there before following Clifford to the Orlando Magic from 2018 to 2021. Hetzel then spent three seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers under Chauncey Billups before joining Jordi Fernández’s staff in Brooklyn in 2024.
Hetzel’s coaching identity is shaped by a wide range of influences from different coaching eras and systems. His long tenure under Clifford and experience working with newer-generation coaches like Billups and Fernández have helped him adapt to modern NBA styles.
While his résumé lacks extensive experience with consistently winning teams, his stability and adaptability could appeal to a Pelicans organization seeking steady progress back toward competitiveness in the coming seasons.
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