The Pelicans have hired Mike Hopkins as an assistant coach and head of player development, Pete Thamel of ESPN tweets. Hopkins joins Willie Green‘s staff after spending last season with the Suns as an assistant under Mike Budenholzer.
Prior to last season, Hopkins spent most of his career at the college ranks. He was the head coach at the University of Washington from 2017-24. He posted a 122–111 record with the Huskies, though they reached the NCAA Tournament just once during that time.
Prior to that opportunity, he was a longtime assistant under Jim Boeheim at his alma mater, Syracuse. Hopkins was on Boeheim’s staff from 1995-2017.
Green’s staff also includes associate head coach James Borrego and assistants Jarron Collins, Casey Hill, Aaron Miles, Corey Brewer and Jodie Meeks.
Hopefully he has a background in nutrition and fitness
Congrats to Mike! Have followed him since I coached against when he was in high school. Thought UW never supported him or gave him the resources to win. This will be a good job until his next head coaching job happens.