Report: Dell Demps (as opposed to Mickey Loomis or Joe Dumars) leading Pelicans’ coaching search

The Pelicans reportedly told coach Monty Williams and general manager Dell Demps they must make the playoffs to keep their jobs.

New Orleans reached the postseason, but that wasn’t enough for Williams, whom the Pelicans fired.

Was it enough for Demps?

Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders:

Also for what its worth Pelicans GM Dell Demps is leading the coaching search in NOLA and has started talking.

— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) May 13, 2015

I doubt the Pelicans are dysfunctional enough to let Demps hire a coach (Tom Thibodeau) if Demps won’t be running the team.

Demps’ future was in question because Pelicans Executive Vice President Mickey Loomis – not Demps – announced Williams’ firing in the official release and Joe Dumars remains linked to the franchise.

Ken Berger of CBSSports.com:

But league sources pointed out Tuesday that the people whose names were on the press release may not be the ones making the decision. Former Pistons executive Joe Dumars, a Louisiana native, has been providing input with the team and has a close relationship with Loomis and owner Tom Benson.

The Pelicans could still hire Dumars as an overseeing team president or advisor, but it doesn’t seem Demps is going anywhere.