The New Orleans Pelicans are actively searching for a new head coach after firing Willie Green on November 15 following a 2-10 start to the 2025-26 season. James Borrego is currently serving as interim head coach while the team evaluates candidates to steer the struggling roster. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham as a top candidate to watch in the Pelicans’ coaching search.
Apr 29, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
According to Ian Begley, Ham is being considered alongside former UConn and Nets interim coach Kevin Ollie for the Pelicans’ head coaching job. Ham’s experience in the NBA makes him an attractive candidate for a team off to a rocky start this season.
The Pelicans have stumbled to a 2–11 record, hampered by inconsistent performances from key players like Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III, who have shown flashes of brilliance despite the team’s difficulties. So far this season, New Orleans has claimed just two victories, posting a 1–5 mark at home in Smoothie King Center and 1–6 on the road.
Darvin Ham before joining the Bucks
Apr 16, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham speaks with the media before a play-in game of the 2024 NBA playoffs against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Darvin Ham offers extensive experience on both offense and defense. He launched his coaching career in 2008, working with the Southern Utah University Thunderbirds and the Los Angeles Lakers, where he specialized in player development, helping stars like Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Dwight Howard refine their games.
Between 2013 and 2018, Ham served on the Atlanta Hawks’ coaching staff, helping the team to four straight playoff appearances and a trip to the 2015 Eastern Conference Finals.
Ham became part of the Milwaukee Bucks coaching staff in 2018 under Mike Budenholzer, contributing significantly to the team’s 2021 NBA championship run.
May 22, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham speaks during a press conference before game four of the Western Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
In 2022, Ham took over as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, steering the team to two playoff berths. He guided the Lakers to the 2023 Western Conference Finals as a seventh seed and won the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament that December.
After back-to-back postseason disappointments, including a first-round exit in 2024, Ham was let go in May 2024. He rejoined the Milwaukee Bucks as lead assistant under Doc Rivers in June 2024.
Ham currently holds a perfect 15-0 record as a head coach in NBA Cup play.