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Melbourne United head coach Dean Vickerman is on the verge of a move to Japan, with both parties working on a potential mutual release from his contract.<\/p>\n
Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n Sources tell Fox Sports Australia<\/i> Vickerman is set to pursue a new challenge in the Japanese B.League Premier, which is set to launch in the 2026-27 season.<\/p>\n While a team is yet to be confirmed, Nagoya Diamond Dolphins, Nagasaki Velca and Chiba Jets are shaping as early frontrunners to land the two-time NBL championship-winning head coach.<\/p>\n The revamped league is expected to feature around 28 teams, introduce a salary cap, and remove promotion and relegation, marking one of the most significant structural changes in global basketball in recent years.<\/p>\n Vickerman, 54, is still contracted with Melbourne United for another two seasons through to the end of NBL28, following a four-year extension signed in April 2023.<\/p>\n Since taking over at United in 2017, he has built one of the most successful coaching resumes in the league, guiding the club to NBL championships in 2018 and 2021, while also previously being part of the 2015 championship-winning Sydney Kings staff as an assistant coach.<\/p>\n He has coached 309 games at a 64.4% win rate (199-110) across the regular season, playoffs and play-ins, and is a three-time NBL Coach of the Year.<\/p>\n A potential move would also continue a clear trend of elite Australian and Kiwi coaches heading to Japan\u2019s rapidly growing competition, with names like Mody Maor, Shawn Dennis and Trevor Gleeson already finding success over there.<\/p>\n Naturally, the question now becomes what more there is to achieve in the NBL. After multiple championships and Coach of the Year honours, a fresh challenge overseas would be a logical next step as Japan\u2019s league prepares to expand its global footprint.<\/p>\n Recent near-misses, including back-to-back finals losses to Tasmania and Illawarra, followed by a playoff miss after a strong 2025-2026 start, may also factor into the timing of a reset.<\/p>\n Joe Ingles finds new NBL home in big coup… and he\u2019s not the only Aussie legend set to return<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n Sources told Fox Sports Australia<\/i> that both parties are now working towards a mutual release from his contract, with a potential buyout set to open the door for Vickerman to pursue opportunities in Japan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n