Alvin Gentry named the new head coach of the Pelicans

Per Marc Stein:

ESPN sources say the New Orleans Pelicans have chosen Alvin Gentry as their new head coach

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 30, 2015

Gentry will finish out playoffs with Warriors and then take over as coach of Anthony Davis and the Pelicans

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 30, 2015

As you may have surmised from the articles around here, Gentry was not among my top 3 or 4 candidates for the position; however, there were plenty who looked forward to this announcement. Either way, everyone should throw their support behind him -- he's the new head coach for better or worse.

Now, it'll be interesting to see how he fills out the rest of his coaching staff. Over the last several seasons, the Pelicans defense has rated in the bottom third of the league, but the offense wavered between respectable and good. Hopefully, he'll be able to move both needles in a positive direction.

Geaux Pelicans!

Update #1:

#Pelicans sources close to the decision said the No. 1 reason Gentry was pick was for pace. Wanted Pels to play faster w/ Davis.

— Scott Kushner (@ScottDKushner) May 31, 2015

Pels were 27th in pace last season. They chose Gentry because they want to unlock more of an up-and-down style with Anthony Davis and Co.

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 31, 2015

Well, if Dell Demps and company were concerned with pace, it's tough to find a better candidate than Gentry.

Update #2:

Alvin Gentry & Jeff Van Gundy only candidates to interview twice w/ New Orleans. Sam Mitchell, V.Del Negro & Fred Hoiberg also interviewed.

— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) May 31, 2015

Sounds like that at least a few of the brass really wanted Van Gundy.