NBL strugglers South East Melbourne could install their new full-time head coach before the season is out after firing Mike Kelly less than a month into the campaign.
The Phoenix have gone winless through their first five games, most recently falling 87-85 to fellow strugglers Brisbane Bullets at home on Saturday night.
They are the only side yet to taste victory this campaign, having also finished last on the ladder in Kelly’s injury-plagued first season in charge.
Kelly was informed on Sunday morning that his contract had been terminated, with assistant Sam Mackinnon to take charge as interim coach immediately.
“While it hasn’t worked out the way I would’ve liked, I’m thankful to the players, fans, sponsors and the Phoenix for the opportunity,” Kelly said in a statement.
“I truly believe in the playing group and wish them all the best moving forward.”
In his final post-match press conference, Kelly said he felt the Phoenix were beginning to show improvement at both ends of the floor.
But SEM’s star-studded roster had nevertheless underachieved to begin the new season, with neither ex-NBA guard Derrick Walton Jr nor Olympic medallist Nathan Sobey hitting top gear.
Sobey in particular has struggled for shooting form.
Phoenix chief executive Tommy Greer and general manager of basketball operations Simon Mitchell will front the press on Monday to detail the decision to part ways with Kelly.
“The team’s on-court performance is not meeting the club’s standards and expectations,” said Mitchell, who preceded Kelly as head coach.
“While we deeply respect, appreciate and thank Mike for his hard work and dedication, we believe a change is necessary to move the team forward and deliver the success our fans, sponsors and stakeholders deserve.”
Ex-assistant coach Mackinnon will coach the Phoenix for the first time against Melbourne United next Sunday.
Mackinnon was briefly interim coach at the Bullets in 2022 when the club fired James Duncan, but has never held a full-time head-coaching role.
The Phoenix will consider Mackinnon as an option to replace Kelly permanently.
But AAP has been told the Phoenix have not ruled out substituting the interim coach out mid-season if the right candidate becomes available immediately.
Kelly finishes his stint at the Phoenix with a 30.3 per cent winning record.
The California native was previously coach of Cairns Taipans between 2018 and 2021, and was named coach of the year in the 2019/20 season.
He has also spent time as an assistant coach with Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United, among other NBL clubs.
Kelly becomes the second coach to part ways with their club this campaign after the Adelaide 36ers ousted Scott Ninnis late in the pre-season and installed Mike Wells as his replacement.
