Del Negro with the Clippers in 2013
Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (left) and center DeAndre Jordan return to the game after talking with head coach Vinny Del Negro during a timeout against the Houston Rockets, in Houston on March 30, 2013. Reuters/Richard Carson

The New Orleans Pelicans are continuing a search for their next head coach. They recently talked with Vinny Del Negro, the third mentor to be considered for the position. The team previous spoke with Jeff Van Gundy and Alvin Gentry.

Del Negro’s candidacy was first reported by Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski, who also said that Van Gundy and Gentry are the front-runners for the position. Van Gundy is currently a TV color commentator and analyst while Gentry is an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors.

The 48-year-old Del Negro, an analyst on NBA TV, was a player in the NBA and other pro leagues from 1988 to 2001. He later coached the Chicago Bulls from 2008 to 2010 and the Los Angeles Clippers from 2010 to 2013.

In two years in Chicago, he led the team to an 82-82 record in the regular season with a couple of playoff appearances and first-round exits. In three years in Los Angeles, he had a 328-102 record with two more playoff appearances. “Del Negro was credited with playing a part in the development of several talented young players in both jobs,” Wojnarowski wrote.

New Orleans made the playoffs this season and got swept in the first round by the Golden State Warriors. The Pelicans’ core includes star big man Anthony Davis, Eric Gordon, Tyreke Evans, Ryan Anderson and Jrue Holiday.

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