Arabic version: مدرب أديلايد 36ers مايك ويلز يستقيل بعد خسارة البطولة

Mike Wells has stepped down from his role as Adelaide 36ers head coach, a month after the basketball team lost the NBL championship series to the Sydney Kings in the fifth and deciding game. According to ABC News, Wells had recently signed a contract extension for two additional seasons but decided to step down after careful consideration.

Wells expressed pride in the progress made during his two-year tenure with the 36ers, stating, “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built in Adelaide over the past two seasons. The players, staff and fans have made my family and me welcome.” He cited family reasons for his decision, mentioning his desire to spend more time with his aging father and his sons back in Utah.

Adelaide 36ers executive chair Grant Kelley acknowledged the disappointment of Wells’s departure but emphasized support for his choice to prioritize family. Kelley remarked, “While we would have loved Mike to continue leading the program, we completely understand and respect his decision to prioritize his family.”

The 36ers are now actively seeking a new head coach to replace Wells. The team has not won a championship since 2002 and faced significant challenges this season, including speculation about internal issues within the club. The Sydney Kings secured their victory over the 36ers with a dramatic overtime score of 113-101, marking their third title in five seasons.