The New Orleans Pelicans are close to an agreement with assistant coach Jeff Bzdelik, according to The Athletic’s David Aldridge.
He served as the defensive mastermind for the Rockets from 2016 until 2018, retiring in September 2018. The assistant was then hired midway through last season in November 2018 and returned to coaching as the franchise struggled out of the gates.
His influence cannot be understated, as noted by Miami Heat executive Pat Riley (via VICE Sports):
“I can’t think of a man in the NBA that has more experience, more knowledge, more wisdom about how to defend in the contemporary game today, than Jeff.”
Bzdelik had previously served as head coach for the University of Maryland Baltimore County (1986-88), the Denver Nuggets (2002-04), Air Force (2004-07), University of Colorado (2007-10) and Wake Forrest (2010-14).
Shortly after he was let go by the Rockets in May 2019, he was spotted at summer league with New Orleans head coach Alvin Gentry. Assuming that he accepts the position, Scott Kushner reports Bzdelik would replace former Pelicans assistant Darren Erman.
Houston has already had a tumultuous offseason, letting go of several staffers in their coaching department. Others that are no longer with the organization include assistants Roy Rogers and Mitch Vanya, video coordinator John Cho as well as player development coach Irv Roland.
