New Orleans Pelicans hire Warriors assistant Alvin Gentry as head coach

The New Orleans Pelicans have hired Alvin Gentry as their next head coach, the team announced on Saturday night. Gentry’s contract will be for four years,reports Yahoo Sports’ Marc J. Spears. The deal is worth $13.75 million with a $4 million team option for the final season, according to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowkski.

Gentry is currently the Golden State Warriors’ lead assistant and will finish the remainder of the NBA playoffs before taking over as the Pelicans’ coach. The Warriors are set to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals beginning Thursday.

Gentry, 60, and recently-fired Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau were widely considered the leading candidates for the Pelicans job. The Pelicans and Gentry reportedly held a second interview on Friday.

Gentry previously was the head coach for the Phoenix Suns, Los AngelesClippers, Detroit Pistons and Miami Heat. Over his 12 seasons, Gentry has a 158–144 record in the regular season and 10–6 record in the playoffs. He most recently coached the Suns from 2008 to 2013.

• MORE NBA: Pelicans' Gentry hire to fully unleash Anthony Davis's talents

The Pelicans fired Monty Williams as head coach earlier this monthdespite having improved their record over each of the past three seasons. The team also made the playoffs this season for the first time since 2010–2011. Williams was New Orleans' coach for five seasons, posting a 173–221 record with the team.

Gentry will take over a Pelicans team led by three-year star Anthony Davis, who was selected to the All-NBA First Team for the first time this past season.

• MORE NBA: Gentry on Warriors' season, Stephen Curry, and Steve Nash

- Mike Fiammetta