The South East Melbourne Phoenix have parted ways with coach Mike Kelly, effective immediately, after just 33 games.
Kelly, Phoenix general manager of basketball operations Simon Mitchell and CEO Tommy Greer came to the decision at a meeting on Sunday after the team’s fifth-straight loss to start the 2024/25 NBL season at the hands of the Brisbane Bullets.
Assistant Sam Mackinnon will take over as the team’s interim head coach.
“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.
“I truly believe in the playing group and wish them all the best moving forward.”
Kelly was in his second season at the helm, with the Phoenix finishing 10th last campaign with an NBL-worst 10-18 record.
“The team’s on-court performance is not meeting the club’s standards and expectations,” Mitchell said..
“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.”
The Phoenix’s next game is a Round 5 matchup with Melbourne United next Sunday at John Cain Arena.
