<\/amp-img><\/amp-iframe><\/div>\nWith the NBL continuing to grow in reputation and quality, both players and coaches have become highly valued commodities. That means opportunities from overseas leagues \u2013 often with bigger financial incentives \u2013 are always a possibility and can quickly reshape the coaching landscape.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s where the coaches of the six eliminated teams currently stand.<\/p>\n
MELBOURNE UNITED (20-13) \u2013 DEAN VICKERMAN<\/b><\/p>\n
Melbourne United\u2019s NBL26 campaign came to an end after a 95-77 loss to the Perth Wildcats in the Play-In game, with the winner advancing to a semi-final series against the Sydney Kings.<\/p>\n
For United, it was a season that promised plenty early. After suffering back-to-back Grand Final series defeats in the previous two seasons, Melbourne opened NBL26 in dominant fashion \u2013 winning their first nine games and eventually reaching a league-best 13-2 record.<\/p>\n
From there, however, the momentum shifted. United lost 12 of their final 20 regular-season games and entered the finals as the fifth seed.<\/p>\n
They managed to keep their season alive by defeating the Tasmania JackJumpers in an elimination game before falling to the Wildcats, bringing their campaign to a close.<\/p>\n<\/amp-img>MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 05: Dean Vickerman, Coach of United speaks to players during the NBL Play-In Qualifier match between Melbourne United and Tasmania Jackjumpers at John Cain Arena, on March 05, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina\/Getty Images)<\/span>Source: Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFor head coach Dean Vickerman, the season delivered just about everything. A scorching start, a difficult stretch following the FIBA break, injuries across the roster and even a ruptured abdomen meant the campaign was far from straightforward.<\/p>\n
Speaking after the loss to Perth, Vickerman summed up the rollercoaster season in just a few words.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m proud of our group and it\u2019s one of those years where we had the highest highs with the way that we started, and we had some pretty bad lows and we got back to this point where everyone was on the same page,\u201d Vickerman said.<\/p>\n
However, Vickerman\u2019s own future has become a talking point. It was reported on NBL Marketplace that the championship-winning coach could potentially explore opportunities overseas after spending nearly a decade with the club.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s preface this by saying this is something that had been on the rumour mill a few years ago, that Dean Vickerman may be open to potential Asian opportunity, potentially in Japan,\u201d Olgun Uluc said on NBL Marketplace<\/i>.<\/p>\n<\/amp-ima-video><\/p>\nKings down Wildcats in a thriller | 01:11<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n\u201cWe\u2019ve seen a lot of high-level Australian and Kiwi coaches go to Japan, so that is important to note.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, in this instance, there are Japanese teams who are interested in Dean Vickerman and from what I understand, he has expressed that he is open to that opportunity once this season ends.<\/p>\n
\u201cAgain, this isn\u2019t particularly new information; this has happened in the past,\u201d Uluc said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut this isn\u2019t just a case of Japanese teams, for example, showing interest in a high-level coach in Dean Vickerman. It\u2019s someone like Vickerman saying, \u2018What else do I have to achieve here?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
The question is understandable.<\/p>\n
Vickerman has already won two NBL Championships with United, claimed three Coach of the Year awards and built one of the most consistent winning records in the league during his tenure since the 2017\u201318 season. Financially, overseas opportunities \u2013 particularly in Japan \u2013 can also be extremely lucrative.<\/p>\n
For Pete Hooley, the discussion around what comes next for Vickerman is a legitimate one.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is one of the greatest coaches we\u2019ve seen,\u201d Hooley said.<\/p>\n<\/amp-img>MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 23: Dean Vickerman, head coach of United reacts during the round 13 NBL match between Melbourne United and Tasmania Jackjumpers at John Cain Arena, on December 23, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett\/Getty Images)<\/span>Source: Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\u201cWhat does he want to aspire to next? We know the Boomers program being part of that was next on that checklist.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut lost back-to-back championship series, I\u2019m sure that would have maybe changed the timeline a little bit. But he\u2019s won championships here.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s gone back, he\u2019s gone through the pathway to get to one of the most well-respected voices we\u2019ve ever seen standing on a sideline.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite the speculation, Vickerman remaining at Melbourne United still appears the most likely scenario if he decides not to pursue an overseas move \u2013 something that has reportedly been on the table for several years.<\/p>\n
However, if the position were to become available, it would quickly become one of the most sought-after coaching jobs in the NBL.<\/p>\n
Assistant coach Rhys Carter, who stepped in as acting head coach for two games while Vickerman recovered from abdomen surgery earlier in the season, could also emerge as an internal option should the club need to look for a replacement.<\/p>\n
<\/amp-ima-video><\/p>\nCotton performance propels 36ers | 01:29<\/p>\n
<\/div>\nTASMANIA JACKJUMPERS (14-19) \u2013 SCOTT ROTH<\/b><\/p>\n
Similar to Dean Vickerman, Scott Roth is a coach whose name continues to draw attention from leagues around the world.<\/p>\n
As the foundation head coach of the Tasmania JackJumpers, Roth has built one of the most respected programs in the NBL while also creating a style and identity that has captured the attention of basketball fans across Australia.<\/p>\n
In a state that prides itself on backing its own, Roth arrived as an outsider but quickly united the island. The JackJumpers have become the hottest ticket in town, building a passionate following and establishing a culture centred around toughness, pride and representing Tasmania.<\/p>\n<\/amp-img>MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 05: Scott Roth, Coach of the JackJumpers speaks to players during the NBL Play-In Qualifier match between Melbourne United and Tasmania Jackjumpers at John Cain Arena, on March 05, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina\/Getty Images)<\/span>Source: Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThrough relentless work, dedication and a commitment to defending \u201cthe island\u201d, Roth has consistently found players who embody that identity. Year after year, the JackJumpers have punched above their weight while remaining one of the most competitive teams in the league.<\/p>\n
With one year remaining on his contract and speculation around his future continuing to circulate, Roth addressed the talk following Tasmania\u2019s season-ending loss to Melbourne United.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah. I mean, I\u2019ve been lucky enough \u2013 I don\u2019t know why \u2013 \u2019cause I am a crappy coach at the end of the day. And it amazes me a tad,\u201d Roth said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut, you know, every year, I\u2019ve gotten tremendous offers to go some other places. I have another year in my contract and I\u2019ll be back to open up that high-performance centre in Tasmania.<\/p>\n
<\/amp-ima-video><\/p>\n‘He’s a bit delusional’ | 00:46<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n\u201cThe money can wait to go chase that. I can do that anytime I want to but I plan on being back.\u201d<\/p>\n
In sport, some partnerships simply feel right \u2014 and the relationship between Roth and the JackJumpers is one of them.<\/p>\n
For Tasmania fans, there is little reason to worry. One of the NBL\u2019s most respected coaches has made it clear he intends to return and continue building the program he helped create.<\/p>\n
NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS (13-20) \u2013 PETTERI KOPONEN<\/b><\/p>\n
For the New Zealand Breakers, NBL26 was a season that started with plenty of questions but ended by proving their best was capable of matching any team in the league.<\/p>\n
Despite a difficult campaign overall, the Breakers closed their season by winning the first Ignite Cup in league history \u2013 a significant achievement that provided a bright moment in an otherwise challenging year. Shortly after, however, the club confirmed that head coach Petteri Koponen would depart the organisation.<\/p>\n
In a statement released by Breakers President of Basketball Operations Dillon Boucher, he addressed Koponen\u2019s departure and the circumstances surrounding it.<\/p>\n
\u201cPetteri is a young coach on the rise and we support his desire to pursue opportunities closer to home,\u201d Boucher said.<\/p>\n<\/amp-img>GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 22: Petteri Koponen, head coach of the Breakers looks on during the NBL Ignite Cup Final match between Adelaide 36ers and New Zealand Breakers at Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, on February 22, 2026, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez\/Getty Images)<\/span>Source: Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\u201cProfessional coaching at this level demands immense sacrifice, especially half a world away from home. We\u2019ve reached a mutual agreement that the time is right for Petteri to pursue his next professional challenge. He departs with his mana higher than ever and will always hold a permanent place within our Breakers wh\u0101nau.\u201d<\/p>\n
Koponen also released a statement reflecting on his time with the club and the connection he formed with New Zealand during his tenure.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy time in New Zealand has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career. I fell in love with this country and the incredible community that supports the Breakers,\u201d Koponen said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, after two seasons of intense growth in the NBL, and the immense satisfaction of bringing the Ignite Cup to Auckland, I am ready for a new challenge. I want to thank the Club, the players, and the fans for embracing me. I am proud of the culture we\u2019ve built, and I leave with the highest respect for this club.\u201d<\/p>\n
Koponen leaves the Breakers with a 23-39 record across his two seasons as head coach. With his departure confirmed, the organisation will now turn its attention to identifying the next leader of the program.<\/p>\n
<\/amp-ima-video><\/p>\nWildcats come back to seal semis place | 01:14<\/p>\n
<\/div>\nOne name that could immediately come into consideration is current Breakers assistant and Tall Blacks head coach Judd Flavell. Another potential option could be Perth Wildcats assistant Aaron Young if the club opts to continue looking within the New Zealand basketball ecosystem.<\/p>\n
Former Breakers head coach Mody Maor may also emerge as a possibility. Maor departed the club two seasons ago and was previously linked to the Brisbane Bullets head coaching position.<\/p>\n
While the Breakers will likely take their time in making the decision, Flavell appears to be the early frontrunner to take over the role.<\/p>\n
ILLAWARRA HAWKS (13-20) \u2013 JUSTIN TATUM<\/b><\/p>\n
After being crowned NBL25 champions, hopes of a repeat looked strong for the Illawarra Hawks \u2013 especially following the headline signing of JaVale McGee joining the defending champions. Unfortunately for the Hawks, the season didn\u2019t unfold the way they had hoped.<\/p>\n
Illawarra was hit by a number of key departures and injuries that significantly altered the makeup of their roster. The losses of Trey Kell, Lachlan Olbrich and Darius Days removed important pieces from the championship group, particularly the playmaking partnership Kell shared with Tyler Harvey that proved so crucial the season before.<\/p>\n
Early momentum was also halted by injury, with Will Hickey going down at the start of the season and disrupting the Hawks\u2019 rhythm before they could fully settle.<\/p>\n<\/amp-img>PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 16: Justin Tatum head coach of the Hawks reacts during the round 17 NBL match between Perth Wildcats and Illawarra Hawks at RAC Arena, on January 16, 2026, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane\/Getty Images)<\/span>Source: Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFor head coach Justin Tatum, it was a season filled with frustration. The fiery coach picked up multiple technical fouls throughout the year and was vocal on several occasions about officiating and league decisions while defending his players.<\/p>\n
Following last season\u2019s championship run, there were reports that Tatum had drawn NBA interest and could potentially explore opportunities elsewhere. While those opportunities may still exist, it appears unlikely that he would leave the Hawks after a challenging season in which the team fell short of expectations.<\/p>\n
At their best, Illawarra still showed they could compete with the top teams in the league, but consistency proved to be the major issue throughout the year.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, the Hawks still have a strong core of local talent in place. Tyler Harvey remains contracted for next season, and there is also the possibility that JaVale McGee could return as the club looks to retool for another run.<\/p>\n
For Hawks fans, the outlook is fairly clear \u2013 their championship-winning coach is unlikely to be going anywhere anytime soon.<\/p>\n
<\/amp-ima-video><\/p>\nUnited end JackJumpers’ season | 00:51<\/p>\n
<\/div>\nCAIRNS TAIPANS (9-24) \u2013 ADAM FORDE<\/b><\/p>\n
The Cairns Taipans once again endured a difficult campaign in NBL26, falling short of expectations despite entering the season with optimism following the signing of Jack McVeigh to join a promising mix of local talent and imports.<\/p>\n
However, as the season progressed, injuries began to mount and momentum quickly slipped away from the Taipans. What started with hope gradually turned into another challenging year for the Far North Queensland club.<\/p>\n
Speaking towards the end of the season, head coach Adam Forde was candid about the current state of the organisation and the hurdles the club must overcome moving forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re kind of in the same predicament as we were this time last year,\u201d Forde said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s still no ownership \u2013 whether that happens or not.<\/p>\n<\/amp-img>BENDIGO, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 07: Cairns Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde gives instructions during the round 16 NBL match between Melbourne United and Cairns Taipans at Red Energy Arena on January 07, 2026 in Bendigo, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm\/Getty Images)<\/span>Source: Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\u201cYou look at the success of the top three teams \u2013 it\u2019s really three levels, right.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s loading up on the talent. (Brian Goorjian) probably said it two seasons ago \u2013 you need two marquees, you need to get the imports right.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the things happening now, and most teams will do moving forward, is having that third import spot \u2013 injury replacement players if something happens during the season.<\/p>\n
\u201cRegardless of whether we get ownership or not, what the club\u2019s doing a great job of is trying to put us in a position where we can build that talent.\u201d<\/p>\n
Forde was reportedly exploring overseas opportunities last season before ultimately returning to Cairns, and similar speculation could again arise depending on the direction the club takes this offseason.<\/p>\n
Should the Taipans decide to make a change, there are several assistant coaches around the league who could be considered for the role. Names such as Joel Khalu, Melbourne United assistant Rhys Carter \u2013 who stepped in as acting head coach while Dean Vickerman recovered from surgery \u2013 and Perth Wildcats assistant Aaron Young could all potentially enter the conversation.<\/p>\n
<\/amp-ima-video><\/p>\nRoth: “I’m a crappy coach!” | 00:50<\/p>\n
<\/div>\nHowever, the biggest factor in Cairns\u2019 future may not be the coach but rather the ownership situation. A shift in ownership could provide the club with greater financial resources and the ability to compete more strongly with the league\u2019s bigger markets.<\/p>\n
The Cairns community and organisation have long supported Forde, and if the club is able to strengthen its financial position, there remains every chance he could return to lead the Taipans again next season.<\/p>\n
BRISBANE BULLETS (6-27) \u2013 STU LASH \/ DARRYL MCDONALD<\/b><\/p>\n
NBL26 proved to be a difficult season for the Brisbane Bullets despite entering the year with genuine optimism following several major roster additions.<\/p>\n
The club made headlines during the offseason with the signings of Casey Prather, Javon Freeman-Liberty and Jaylen Adams, joining a local core that included Tyrell Harrison \u2013 fresh off an impressive NBA Summer League showing \u2013 alongside Mitch Norton and Sam McDaniel.<\/p>\n
However, the season quickly began to unravel.<\/p>\n<\/amp-img>BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 01: Bullets head coach Stu Lash during the round seven NBL match between Brisbane Bullets and Sydney Kings at Brisbane Entertainment Centre, on November 01, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde\/Getty Images)<\/span>Source: Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe decision to appoint Stu Lash as head coach failed to deliver the results the organisation had hoped for, while injuries began to pile up across the roster. Off-court issues involving players also added to the challenges, compounding what quickly became a turbulent campaign.<\/p>\n
Eventually the Bullets made the decision to move on from Lash, appointing assistant coach Darryl McDonald as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.<\/p>\n
When McDonald took over, the team\u2019s injury issues continued to limit their ability to compete consistently, and the losses continued to mount. Brisbane ultimately finished with the worst record in the NBL.<\/p>\n
As frustration around the organisation grew throughout the year, McDonald publicly questioned aspects of the club\u2019s direction while also expressing his interest in taking on the role permanently.<\/p>\n
However, with the season concluded and the club looking for a fresh start, the Bullets recently announced the appointment of Will Weaver as both head coach and President of Basketball Operations.<\/p>\n
<\/amp-ima-video><\/p>\nBoomers beat Guam in WC qualifier | 01:05<\/p>\n
<\/div>\nWeaver brings significant experience to the role, having previously coached in the NBA, Europe and the NBL. During his previous stint in the league, he led the Sydney Kings to the top seed and a Grand Final appearance, where they ultimately fell to the Perth Wildcats.<\/p>\n
In a statement released by the club, Weaver spoke about his excitement at returning to Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love Australia, and the opportunity to return and build something special in Brisbane is incredibly exciting for my family and me,\u201d Weaver said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Bullets have a strong foundation: passionate supporters, committed ownership, and a great city to call home.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy focus now is building a basketball program that reflects that support and can compete at the highest level.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe goal is to build a program that makes the city proud.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Brisbane, the appointment signals a clear reset. If the organisation is looking for a culture-changing leader who can recruit talent, build a program and reshape the club\u2019s direction, Weaver appears to be the right choice to lead that process.<\/p>\n<\/amp-img>SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 08: Kings coach Will Weaver calls instructions during game one of the NBL Grand Final series between the Sydney Kings and the Perth WIldcats at Qudos Bank Arena on March 08, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe\/Getty Images)<\/span>Source: Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nSource link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"With six teams now eliminated from contention in NBL26, attention quickly turns to the sidelines. We take a look at each of the six eliminated clubs, examining whether their current coach will return, whether there are reports of potential replacements, or if a change could be on the horizon. Watch live coverage of the NBL […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":232803,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6807],"tags":[156],"class_list":{"0":"post-232802","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-leagues-cups","8":"tag-sports"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/232802","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=232802"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/232802\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/232803"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=232802"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=232802"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=232802"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}