The New Orleans Pelicans have interviewed Golden State Warriors assistant Alvin Gentry for their vacant head coach role.

The Pelicans fired Monty Williams earlier this month, despite the 43-year-old leading the team to the playoffs this season.

Golden State coach Steve Kerr confirmed the report, and insisted that he encourages all of his assistants to "embrace any opportunity that comes their way", according to ESPN.

Kerr hired Gentry as his associate head coach and offensive co-ordinator after joining the organisation last May.

According to speculation, Gentry is also the leading candidate for the Chicago Bulls if they part company with Tom Thibodeau.