Pelicans name Willie Green head coach Field Level Media The New Orleans Pelicans hired Willie Green as their new head coach on Thursday. The move was expected but was delayed due to Green's role as an assistant coach with the Phoenix Suns, who just lost in six games to the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Finals. "Willie has established himself as one of the most respected assistant coaches in the NBA," Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin said in a statement. "He brings a vast amount of basketball knowledge and experience to our team as both a coach and former player, along with exceptional leadership qualities and an innate ability to connect with players, staff and fans alike."