NBA · Southwest · Est. 2002 · Smoothie King Center
New Orleans Pelicans
Current Leadership
Governor & Owner
Gayle Benson inherited ownership of the Pelicans and the NFL's New Orleans Saints following the death of her husband Tom Benson in 2018. She has been a steady hand at the helm, navigating the franchise through the Anthony Davis trade demand and subsequent rebuild around Zion Williamson. Benson has been deeply committed to New Orleans and has invested significantly in community initiatives throughout the Gulf Coast region.
Head Coach
| Name | Position | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Willie Green | Head Coach | 2021 |
Assistant Coaches
| Name | Position | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Fred Vinson | Associate Head Coach | 2021 |
| Teresa Weatherspoon | Assistant Coach | 2021 |
| Jarron Collins | Assistant Coach | 2023 |
| Corey Brewer | Assistant Coach | 2024 |
| Matt Lilly | Assistant Coach | 2023 |
Front Office
| Name | Position | Since |
|---|---|---|
| David Griffin | Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations | 2019 |
| Troy Weaver | General Manager | 2025 |
Historical Figures
Owner
Auto dealer and banking magnate Tom Benson purchased the then-New Orleans Hornets from the NBA in 2012 for $338 million after the league had operated the team for two years. Benson rebranded the franchise as the Pelicans in 2013 and stabilized the organization, drafting Anthony Davis and establishing a new identity for professional basketball in the city. He passed away in 2018.
Owner
George Shinn was the founding owner of the Charlotte Hornets in 1988 and relocated the franchise to New Orleans in 2002 amid personal controversies and a failed arena deal. His tenure in New Orleans was further disrupted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which forced the team to temporarily relocate to Oklahoma City. Financial difficulties led to the NBA purchasing the team from Shinn in 2010.