The New Orleans Pelicans have begun a wide-ranging restructuring of their basketball operations department, according to Shamit Dua reporting on his Substack In the N.O. on Friday, April 17. The changes come after a 26-56 season and an already turbulent year for the franchise.
Sources informed In the N.O. that more than a dozen employees have been moved out of the organization. Many of those affected were in the final year of their contracts or held team options that were not exercised by the Pelicans.
The restructuring spans multiple departments, including coaching, medical, analytics, and support staff. Additional departures are expected in the coming days as the process continues across the organization.
On the coaching side, assistant coaches Casey Hill and Corey Brewer are among those who will not return. The team is expected to shift direction with most of its coaching group as it continues evaluating long-term leadership.
James Borrego remains in place as interim head coach after replacing Willie Green earlier in the season. The Pelicans are also continuing their search for a permanent head coach, with Borrego still under consideration.
Significant turnover is also taking place in performance-related roles. The organization is expected to reshape its medical and performance staff following earlier changes, including the departure of Vice President of Performance Daniel Bove during the season.
The front office approach has been described as a broader internal review of organizational structure. A person with knowledge of the Pelicans’ thinking said the moves are focused on “aligning resources and roles more effectively to support long-term competitiveness. It’s a comprehensive evaluation of how different groups work together, with an emphasis on efficiency, collaboration, and positioning the organization for sustained success. The process is still ongoing, so specifics will continue to evolve.”
The Pelicans’ business operations are also affected, with studio host Erin Summers and studio analyst Wesley Johnson among those let go, though those moves are not under the direct purview of Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars.
Dumars, who joined the franchise in April 2025 following the dismissal of David Griffin, has overseen a significant roster and organizational reset. The Pelicans have since added key personnel moves and drafted Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen in the 2025 NBA Draft.
New Orleans’ latest changes come after back-to-back struggles and a March 24 elimination from playoff contention, reinforcing a continued organizational reset across both basketball and support structures.
