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Pelicans Hire Jamahl Mosley and Promise to Unlock Zion Williamson

His defense-first plan and public pledge to keep Williamson mean the franchise will lean on coaching, player development and health to push for progress with limited draft assets.

Overview

  • Jamahl Mosley was introduced as the Pelicans’ head coach on Tuesday and said Zion Williamson “hasn’t even scratched the surface” of what he can do.
  • Mosley outlined a clear on-court plan to open the floor for Williamson, let him attack the paint and free-throw line, and use him in varied positions to tap his playmaking.
  • He emphasized a defense-first identity rooted in his Orlando track record, a philosophy that helped his teams improve defensively but coincided with postseason offensive struggles and a recent blown 3–1 playoff lead.
  • The front office, led by Joe Dumars, publicly confirmed the intent to keep Williamson, but the team enters Mosley’s tenure constrained by a poor 2025–26 record and the loss of its 2026 first-round pick.
  • Mosley has brought several assistants with defined roles for offense, defense and player development, signaling the franchise will focus on coaching and health management as the primary paths to short-term improvement.