Report: Pelicans pick up coach Alvin Gentry's 2018-2019 option

Ryan Young
·Staff writer
The New Orleans Pelicans picked up Alvin Gentry’s $4 million option for next season, ensuring the coach who led them to the playoffs for the first time since 2015 will return next year. (AP Photo/Scott Threlkeld)
The New Orleans Pelicans picked up Alvin Gentry’s $4 million option for next season, ensuring the coach who led them to the playoffs for the first time since 2015 will return next year. (AP Photo/Scott Threlkeld)

While New Orleans’ impressive playoff run likely ensured it on its own, it’s finally official: head coach Alvin Gentry isn’t going anywhere.

The Pelicans informed Gentry that they’re picking up his $4 million option for the 2018-19 season, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Monday night.

Gentry, who signed his original four-year deal in 2015, was reportedly informed of the decision before the playoffs began. Per the report, New Orleans’ assistant coaching staff also had their contract options picked up.

Gentry led the Pelicans to the playoffs for the first time since 2015 this year and is fresh off a 4-0 sweep over the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round, only the program’s second playoff series win in franchise history. Gentry has gone 64-100 in his career in New Orleans.

The Pelicans will take on the winner of the Golden State-San Antonio series next in the Western Conference semifinals.

More from Yahoo Sports:
• 49ers will cut star if domestic violence charges are true
• Kevin Iole: Mir gets his dream fight — two decades too late
• Taco joint says it was too busy to serve Giannis
• Gronkowski out of Kentucky Derby due to infection