Why one of Australia’s top sport coaches has quit just a WEEK after signing two-year contract extension

Mike Wells, just a week after signing a contract extension, has quit as Adelaide 36ers coach with a ‘heavy heart’.

Wells, 54, says spending time in his native Utah prompted a change of mind about coaching the 36ers until the end of the 2028 NBL season.

‘Having spent some time back home in Utah with my sons, seeing my dad who is getting older, realising I have been away from family for much of the past three decades, I know the decision to step down to be with my family is right,’ he said in a club-issued statement on Wednesday.

Wells, whose 36ers were beaten in game five of the championship series by the Sydney Kings, said he left the club ‘with a heavy heart’.

‘But also with a great sense of pride in what we have built together,’ he said.

‘This organisation is in a strong position moving forward with a talented roster and a cultural foundation that I believe will drive sustained success in NBL27 and beyond.’

Adelaide 36ers owner and executive chairman Grant Kelley said the club was disappointed to lose Wells.

‘Mike and I have developed a very strong relationship over a relatively short period of time, so this is a decision I receive with genuine sadness,’ Kelley said.

‘He is not only an outstanding coach, but a person of great character who has made a significant impact.

‘While we would have loved Mike to continue leading the program, we completely understand and respect his decision to prioritise his family.’

Kelley said the club would start searching immediately for a replacement for Wells, who prior to joining Adelaide spent 26 years coaching in the NBA.

He also had stints with Team USA, including winning the gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

The 36ers dismissed talk Wells would leave the club a week after their loss to the Kings.

Wells was the subject of several rumours during the season, with the club rejecting claims of disharmony.