The Sydney Kings and Adam Forde are parting ways, with the NBL franchise and coach mutually agreeing not to extend a one-year contract beyond this season.
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Rookie mentor Forde will stay at the helm for the remaining games of the current season, as the team continues their push for a finals spot.
Forde spent one season as lead assistant which saw the Kings make their first grand-final appearance since 2008, before being elevated to the position of head coach immediately prior to the NBL21 season tipping off last December.
Kings chairman Paul Smith thanked Forde for his time in Sydney.
"We have had open and honest dialogue over the past couple of months and believe this is the best direction for Adam and our club," said Smith.
"The last two seasons have seen the club deal with several coaching rotations, and a key element in our future planning requires a more stable coaching structure.
"We are heading into a shortened off-season, so this decision has been made now to allow Adam the best opportunity to secure another head coaching role. The timing will also allow the Kings to be active in the market for the recruitment of our next head coach."
Forde said the season has had its challenges but he was happy with the outcome.
"I am comforted knowing that this outcome is best for both me and my family, and the Kings organisation. Their vision is clear, and I admire the direction that they are building towards.
"The disrupted season and the difficulties COVID has imposed has put things into perspective, and allowed me to reassess my priorities.
"Planning for the future must include what is best for my family, not just myself, and being away from home has taken its toll over the last 12 months."
Forde was appointed head coach to replace Will Weaver, who left to take up an NBA assistant role with the Houston Rockets.
The coach was slugged with a $5,000 fine - $3,000 of which was suspended for 12 months - in April for attacking the referees in comments after their match against his former club Perth.
Prior to joining the Kings, Forde was involved in four championships with the Wildcats in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2019 as an assistant.
Australian Associated Press
