Louisiana Congressman -- I WANNA COACH THE PELICANS ... For Real

Dell Demps can CALL OFF THE SEARCH for the new head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans -- because Louisiana congressman Cedric Richmond says HE'S the man for the job ... seriously!

Richmond (D-LA) was leaving Capitol Hill ... when he told us why he's the perfect candidate ... after all, he's got plenty of experience as a volunteer hoops coach back home in the Big Easy.

Plus, he says he could DEFINITELY build a winning team around Anthony Davis.

And if that's not enough, Richmond already has the support of ANOTHER congressman ... Rep. Curt Clawson (R-FL) ... who was a real deal college basketball star at Purdue!

In fact, Clawson tells us Richmond can PLAY -- saying he's "among the two REAL basketball players in the House."