New Orleans Saints President Lauscha Doubles-Up as Hornets President

Dennis Lauscha, apoplectic recently named president of the Saints, will hold the same title with the New Orleans Hornets Hornets, following the removal of Hugh Weber as President.

 

Weber, the man who helped hold the Hornets’ franchise together during the 17 months it was owned by the NBA, is leaving the team, owner Tom Benson said Monday.

 

And though Weber will no longer be part of the team’s front office, Benson made it clear that Weber’s guidance during that turbulent time of league receivership was critical in the Hornets’ long-term future..

 

“Today we did make a change with Hugh,” Benson said, “and it is important to note that if it were not for his leadership in running the Hornets during a very difficult time, this sale would have not happened. He made the transition very smooth, and he should be commended.

 

“In most ownership changes like this, there is normally a change at the top, and although Hugh provided great leadership, we have decided it best to transfer our top management in Dennis to that role.”

 

Benson also reaffirmed that Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis will oversee the Hornets’ basketball operations as well as the Saints’ football operations, and that Hornets General Manager Dell Demps and Coach Monty Williams — who a source acknowledged were both greatly valued by Benson and his management team — will keep their jobs.

 

“We are in very good hands with Dell and Monty,” Loomis said.

A sources with knowledge of the team’s thinking said the franchise’s rebranding is already under way, but that a name change has not been formally requested to the NBA. A new team name could be in place by the 2013-14 season.

 

When Benson signed an agreement to purchase the Hornets for $338 million on April 13, he immediately said he wanted the team’s name to be more identifiable with New Orleans.

 

Weber, who joined the Hornets in 2005, said Monday he understands why he was not invited to remain with the team, and he harbors no ill will over the decision.

 

“They have a very specific business plan and model that has proven to be successful,” Weber said. “I didn’t quite fit into the model and plan. Instead of trying to fit a square peg in a round hole, they decided to look at other options. That’s the nature of this business. It was very amicable and very good.

 

“I have the utmost respect for Mr. Benson and Dennis Lauscha and Mickey Loomis; nothing but good will and strong feelings for them, and feel very confident that Dell and Monty are in good hands as is the balance of our staff, and that they’ll not skip a beat and continue to do amazing things in New Orleans.”