The South East Melbourne Phoenix are poised to secure head coach Josh King with a landmark, long-term contract extension, a move signaling a significant investment in stability for the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) club. The potential deal, described as unusually lengthy for an NBL coaching position, comes as several other teams contemplate off-season changes to their leadership.
ESPN’s Olgun Uluc reported on “The Marketplace” program that the Phoenix ownership is highly satisfied with King’s performance and the defensive identity he has instilled in the team. Currently near the top of the NBL standings, the Phoenix are prepared to offer King a contract that surpasses typical coaching agreements in duration. “In my 10 years covering the NBL, I don’t know if I’ve heard of an offer like this,” Uluc stated.
King, who assumed the head coaching role in October 2024, has compiled a 37-20 record with the Phoenix, according to web search results. His coaching career began immediately after playing college basketball for East Carolina and Eckerd, with a decade spent as an assistant coach in the US college system before moving overseas in 2018.
NBL champion Pete Hooley lauded the potential extension as a positive step for the club. “There was a lot of turnover in the Phoenix for a couple years, so to have that security, stability and direction [is amazing],” Hooley said. “This is the foundation of not only contending this season but every year he is at the helm.”
Whereas the Phoenix appear set to retain their coach, the Adelaide 36ers are facing mounting pressure regarding the future of head coach Mike Wells. Uluc reported that while there hasn’t been a formal leadership meeting to discuss Wells’ position, recent losses have created a challenging environment. The 36ers’ focus on maximizing the remaining career window of veteran player Bryce Cotton, who is 33 years aged, is driving the evaluation of Wells’ ability to deliver immediate results.
Wells is currently contracted for the next season, but Uluc suggests the club must determine if he is the coach to lead them to championship contention. The situation is complicated by a perceived lack of clarity within the Adelaide organization, making it difficult to discern fact from speculation.
Elsewhere in the league, Melbourne United’s Dean Vickerman is reportedly considering opportunities in Asia, particularly in Japan. Uluc noted that Japanese teams have expressed renewed interest in Vickerman, who has achieved significant success in the NBL and may be seeking increased earnings and a recent professional experience. United is expected to be accommodating if Vickerman decides to pursue an overseas opportunity.
The Brisbane Bullets are confirmed to be seeking a new coach for the upcoming season. Initial discussions with former Sydney Kings coach Will Weaver reportedly reached advanced stages, with a contract prepared, but Weaver has yet to sign. Interest in Trevor Gleeson likewise appears to have cooled, leaving the Bullets still searching for a suitable candidate.
Cairns Taipans coach Adam Forde is also considered likely to seek opportunities elsewhere, while Illawarra Hawks coach Justin Tatum is expected to remain with his current club. Coaches John Rillie (Perth Wildcats), Brian Goorjian (Sydney Kings), and Scott Roth (Tasmania JackJumpers) are all expected to return to their respective teams.
The New Zealand Breakers may also see a change in leadership, with the club potentially moving away from head coach Petteri Koponen as they prioritize a stronger New Zealand influence throughout the organization.
