South East Melbourne sack coach Mike Kelly after horror start to NBL season

Patience has officially run out at the Phoenix, with South East Melbourne axing coach Mike Kelly after its latest defeat.

Mike Kelly has been sacked by South East Melbourne Phoenix. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

South East Melbourne has sacked coach Mike Kelly after a horror 0-5 start to the season.

The veteran coach was under pressure to keep his job and, after Saturday night’s gut-wrenching two-point loss to fellow struggler Brisbane, the Phoenix gave him his marching orders.

Kelly’s assistant Sam Mackinnon will step into the interim role.

GM of Basketball Operations Simon Mitchell, a close friend of Kelly’s, said the time was now to move in a different direction.

“The team’s on-court performance is not meeting the club’s standards and expectations. 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,” Mitchell said.

Kelly said in a statement: “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. I truly believe in the playing group and wish them all the best moving forward.”

More to come

Originally published as South East Melbourne sack coach Mike Kelly after horror start to NBL season