# Coaching Search Update: Steve Hetzel Emerging as Best Fit for Pelicans’ Two-Timeline Plan

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-pelicans-daily-podcast-on-the-new-orleans-pelicans-635622/coaching-search-update-steve-hetzel-emerging-as-best-fit-for-pelicans-two-timeline-plan
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-pelicans-daily-podcast-on-the-new-orleans-pelicans-635622/coaching-search-update-steve-hetzel-emerging-as-best-fit-for-pelicans-two-timeline-plan.md
Podcast: [Locked On Pelicans - Daily Podcast On The New Orleans Pelicans](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-pelicans-daily-podcast-on-the-new-orleans-pelicans-635622)
Published: 2026-05-05T05:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-pelicans/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/ab893c/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/e668a801-b076-4c42-a18b-514196891965/episodes/221ac5a1-33f6-437d-99b9-35d2b402a433/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=e668a801-b076-4c42-a18b-514196891965&awEpisodeId=221ac5a1-33f6-437d-99b9-35d2b402a433&feed=dWDcvyl9
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Duration seconds: 1619

## Resource

New Orleans Pelicans zero in on Steve Hetzel as their likely next head coach, signaling a commitment to the two-timeline strategy of balancing player development with playoff contention. Could Hetzel’s experience with the Brooklyn Nets and reputation for connecting with young talent make him the right fit to guide Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, and emerging prospects like Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen? Jake Madison breaks down the Pelicans’ head coaching search, why fan-favorite Rajon Rondo and Darvin Ham are unlikely hires, and how Hetzel’s modern, defensive-minded approach could shape New Orleans’ future. The episode also covers Kurt Joseph’s official hiring as head strength and conditioning coach—a move praised by league insiders—and discusses the impact of recent organizational changes, including Bryson Graham’s move to the Chicago Bulls. How will these decisions influence the Pelicans’ offseason and direction for the 2024-25 NBA season? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-pelicans/ Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nba #NewOrleansPelicans #ZionWilliamson #NBA #pelicans Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten…

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