The New Orleans Pelicans officially named Willie Greene as their next head coach on Thursday.
Greene is serving as an assistant with the Phoenix Suns, who have just competed in the NBA Finals, delaying the time of the Pelicans' announcement.
Pelicans Governor Gail Benson said in a statement, "After an extensive and collaborative search, Wiley has stood our team as the best person to lead among an impressive group of candidates." “We are very pleased to welcome Willie as our new head coach and we look forward to working with him to guide our team on the court as we work towards bringing the championship to New Orleans "
David Griffin, Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations, called Greene, a 12-year NBA veteran, "one of the most respected assistant coaches in the NBA."
"He brings basketball knowledge and experience to our team as both a coach and former player, as well as exceptional leadership qualities and an innate ability to connect with players, staff and fans," Griffin said in a statement.
Greene spent three seasons as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors before joining Phoenix.
"I want to thank Mrs. Benson, David Griffin and the entire Pelicans organization for believing in me to lead this talented group of players going forward," Green said. "It's a blessing and an honor to have this opportunity in a special place like New Orleans. I look forward to working and immersing myself and my family in the local community."
As a player, Green made the playoffs in seven of his 12 seasons, including the lone year in New Orleans (2010–11), one of just seven playoff visits the team made in franchise history.
That season, Green made it to the team coached by Monty Williams and led by point guard Chris Paul. Now the Pelicans are hiring Green away from the Williams and Paul-led Sons team.
Green replaced Stan Van Gundy, who mutually agreed to leave the Pelicans after just one season. The Pelicans went 31–41 last season, a disappointing result after starting the season with playoff aspirations. In the end, New Orleans didn't even make the Western Conference play-in.
At 39, Greene became the third-youngest coach in the NBA behind Oklahoma City's Mark Degnoault and Memphis's Taylor Jenkins.