The New Orleans Hornets, who formally came under the domain of owner Tom Benson on Friday, will not retain president Hugh Weber, the man who helped guide the team through 17 months of league ownership and helped steer the franchise toward Benson's purchase and its stability through 2024 with a renegotiated lease agreement.
Taking over for Weber will be Dennis Lauscha, who is also president of the New Orleans Saints. He will be now be president of both organizations and oversee the Saints and Hornets operations.
Benson outlined the team's management structure on Monday in a meeting with Hornets' staff members at the Saints Airline Drive headquarters, though he met with Weber before meeting with the rest of Hornets' staff.
"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."
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