Pelicans Retain Associate Head Coach James Borrego Amid Knicks Interest

James Borrego will remain the associate head coach for the New Orleans Pelicans for the 2025-26 NBA season despite interest from the New York Knicks, who interviewed him for their head coaching vacancy and considered him as a lead assistant for newly hired head coach Mike Brown. The Pelicans, valuing Borrego highly and holding him under contract, blocked his potential lateral move to the Denver Nuggets and chose to keep him on staff alongside head coach Willie Green. Borrego's coaching style, noted for fostering fast-paced and efficient offenses, had been seen as a potential asset for the Knicks to support star player Jalen Brunson, but New York now must seek other options for the lead assistant role. Meanwhile, the Knicks' coaching staff is expected to retain assistants Darren Erman, Mo Cheeks, and Mark Bryant from the previous regime, with Rick Brunson, Jalen Brunson's father, moving to a lesser role. Borrego has also been recognized as a strong candidate for head coaching roles with other NBA teams such as the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers. This development confirms the Pelicans' commitment to Borrego as a key figure in their coaching future.