For years, Rajon Rondo has made no secret of his ambition to become an NBA head coach. Now, that dream appears closer than ever to becoming reality.
On Sunday, The Stein Line reported that the former Boston Celtics champion point guard has emerged as a legitimate candidate for the New Orleans Pelicans’ vacant head coaching position. League sources confirm that Rondo has already been interviewed for the job, marking a significant step in his transition from player to sideline leader.
Rondo’s coaching aspirations trace back to his playing days with the Celtics. While recovering from a torn ACL, he first felt the pull toward coaching, prompting then-coach Brad Stevens to invite him into staff meetings. Those early experiences planted the seed. Multiple coaches who worked with Rondo, including Stevens, have long predicted he would one day command his own bench, citing his elite basketball IQ and natural leadership.
The 40-year-old’s path to this moment has been deliberate. Before the 2024-25 season, Rondo joined the Milwaukee Bucks as a “guest coach” under Doc Rivers—his former Celtics head coach. He later served as a “coaching associate” during the 2025-26 campaign, earning the opportunity to sit on the bench and contribute to in-game adjustments. Though the Bucks’ season was challenging, the chaotic environment provided valuable real-world experience in managing a team from the sidelines.
The Pelicans’ search intensified after they fired head coach Willie Green in November following a dismal 2-10 start to the 2025-26 season. James Borrego stepped in as interim coach and remains in consideration for the full-time role. However, New Orleans is actively exploring other options, signaling an open-minded approach to reshaping the franchise.
According to The Stein Line, the Pelicans have shown “strong interest” in several established NBA assistants, including San Antonio’s Sean Sweeney, Milwaukee’s Darvin Ham, and Brooklyn’s Steve Hetzel. They have also requested to interview Detroit Pistons assistant Jarrett Jack. Rondo stands out among this group as a former All-Star who once suited up for the Pelicans during the 2017-18 season, adding a layer of familiarity to his candidacy.
This pursuit echoes the Los Angeles Lakers’ successful gamble on JJ Redick in 2024. Redick had no prior NBA head coaching experience—only youth-level work—yet his sharp basketball mind quickly earned him the job. Rondo brings a similar profile: a player renowned for his cerebral approach to the game, exceptional court vision, and ability to elevate teammates. His two seasons embedded with the Bucks have further prepared him for the leap, even if the on-court results in Milwaukee were uneven.
New Orleans is hardly a model of organizational stability, but that very challenge could suit Rondo’s competitive fire. A two-time NBA champion with the Celtics and Lakers, and a four-time All-Star, he has thrived in pressure-packed environments. If hired, Rondo would have the chance to instill a winning culture and help a young, talented roster—headlined by players like Zion Williamson—find consistency and playoff success.
Celtics fans, in particular, would celebrate the move. Rondo’s legacy in Boston remains iconic, and many would root for the point guard who once orchestrated their championship runs to now build his own.
While nothing is finalized, the fact that Rondo has already secured an interview suggests the Pelicans are taking his candidacy seriously. His longtime dream is no longer distant speculation—it is breathing, gaining momentum, and potentially just days away from delivering real impact on an NBA bench.