Stan Van Gundy new Pelicans head coach

Stan Van Gundy new Pelicans head coach
FILE - In this March 31, 2018, file photo, Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy reacts during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, at Madison Square Garden in New York. Two people with knowledge of the situation say Stan Van Gundy has agreed to become the next coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, where he’ll get the chance to work with No. 1 overall draft pick Zion Williamson. Van Gundy agreed to a four-year contract, according to one of the people who spoke Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the hiring has not been announced. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File) (Source: Associated Press)
By Sean Fazende | October 21, 2020 at 1:12 PM CDT - Updated October 22 at 12:54 PM

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The Pelicans have found their next head coach. The team is hiring Stan Van Gundy.

This will be Van Gundy’s fourth head coaching stop. He previously coached Miami, Orlando and Detroit. He has a career record of 523-384. Van Gundy will replace Alvin Gentry, who was let go after the Pelicans’ season ended.

“We are delighted to welcome Stan, his wife Kim and their family to the New Orleans Pelicans,” said Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin. “Stan’s track record of success as a head coach speaks for itself. His ability to teach while building genuine relationships was one of his many strengths that drew us to him. We feel like we are hiring one of the most accomplished leaders and authentic human beings in the NBA.”

Van Gundy joins New Orleans after spending last season as a game analyst for TNT and studio analyst for NBA TV, and the previous season as an analyst for ESPN. Prior to his television stint, Van Gundy served as the head coach and president of basketball operations for the Detroit Pistons from 2014-18.

“I am honored and excited to coach this talented group of players in New Orleans,” said Van Gundy. “This opportunity was one that I was really attracted to due in large part to David Griffin’s record of putting together highly competitive, talented teams in a great family atmosphere. When I got into the interview process and had a chance to meet with Mrs. Benson, Dennis Lauscha, Griff, Trajan Langdon, Swin Cash and the Pelicans front office, it became clear how committed and invested they are to winning. My wife Kim and I want to thank Mrs. Benson, along with Griff, Trajan, Swin and the front office for welcoming our family and entrusting me to lead this team. We look forward to working with this great organization and getting involved in the New Orleans community.”

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