James Borrego

James Albert Borrego (born November 12, 1977) is an American professional basketball coach who most recently served as the interim head coach for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He has previously served as head coach for the Charlotte Hornets, and as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs where he won two NBA championships under Gregg Popovich.

Early life and playing career Borrego was born on November 12, 1977, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is of Mexican American descent. Borrego led Albuquerque Academy to a pair of state basketball championships. In 2001, he earned a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in leadership studies from the University of San Diego. He played three seasons with the San Diego Toreros, and during his senior season (2000–01) was named to the West Coast Conference All-Academic Team. On February 6, he made his coaching debut against the Los Angeles Lakers, winning 103–97 in overtime. On February 17, he became the coach of the team for the rest of the season.

On June 17, 2015, he returned to the Spurs as an assistant coach for Gregg Popovich.

On May 10, 2018, the Charlotte Hornets named Borrego as their new head coach, signing him to a four-year deal with the team. Borrego became the first Latino head coach in the NBA's 72-year history.

On August 9, 2021, the Hornets signed Borrego to a multi-year contract extension. On April 22, 2022, Borrego was fired by the Hornets.

On June 3, 2023, he returned to the Pelicans as an assistant coach for Willie Green. On November 15, 2025, the Pelicans named Borrego as their interim head coach after the firing of Willie Green. His tenure ended when the team hired Jamahl Mosley as their permanent head coach on May 18.

Personal life Borrego and his wife have a daughter and two sons.

Head coaching record