After spending the 2025-2026 NBA season as a free agent, the veteran coach Michael Malone was expected to find his post-Denver Nuggets job in due time.
Inevitably, NBA vacancies would get created, and Malone would be viewed as a top choice for clubs in search of a new coach.
One team came to light on Monday, April 6, but that was only after Malone reportedly agreed to make his shocking move to go to the NCAA. According to ESPN, Malone is taking over at the University of North Carolina.
That leaves the New Orleans Pelicans still searching in their post-Willie Green era.
via Pete Nakos, On3: Source tells @On3 that Michael Malone was a top name in the New Orleans Pelicans coaching search, but he ultimately decided to take the North Carolina job.
GettyDENVER, CO – MARCH 12: Head Coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets looks on from the sidelines during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena on March 12, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Michael Malone’s Run In The NBA
Malone started as an assistant for the New York Knicks in 2001. He held assistant positions with the Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Hornets, and the Golden State Warriors up until 2013.
The Sacramento Kings hired Malone to be their head coach. They parted ways with Malone after 24 games into his second season.
A short run in Sacramento didn’t affect the Denver Nuggets’ views on Malone. They hired him in 2015-2016. That pairing would last 10 years.
Malone achieved a 471-327 record during the regular season with the Nuggets. They won 55% of their playoff games, becoming NBA Champions in 2022-2023.
What’s Next For The New Orleans Pelicans?
GettyNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 14: Associate head coach James Borrego and Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans talk during the first half of the the NBA In-Season Tournament against the Dallas Mavericks at the Smoothie King Center on November 14, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
The 2025-2026 NBA season served as the fifth season for Willie Green as the head coach of the Pelicans.
Although the public viewed New Orleans in a rebuilding light, the front office wanted to see the team contend. That placed high pressure on Green, who was then fired after a 2-10 start in 2025-2026.
The Pelicans will do their due diligence and interview some of the league’s top free agents and assistants. Malone made sense, but he’s off the board.
Removing James Borrego’s interim tag could be an option as well. He inherited a team with a 16% win percentage and helped it increase to 34.3% going into the final week.
No matter what happens next, the Pelicans are aware that their top candidate is no longer an option. They’ll be a team to keep an eye on as the coaching market will soon heat up with more doors opening across the league.
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