Taipans, Adam Forde, make key decision on NBL coaching future

Adam Forde has made a key decision on his future as coach of the Cairns Taipans, and whether or not he will lead the NBL team for a fifth season.

Adam Forde’s time as the Taipans is over, but his time with Cairns may not be done.

The former Coach of the Year will not return to Cairns as coach for NBL26, ending four seasons in the Tropical North where he steered the Taipans to a semi-finals berth in NBL23.

A passionate and hard-working coach, Forde made an immense mark on Cairns, fully embracing the tropical Queensland city in a way that made it easy for the Orange Army to fully adopt - and fiercely defend – the leader.

Forde isn’t lost to the club, with the 43-year-old to move into a new role, the details of which will soon be announced.

Adam Forde will not return as coach of the Taipans. Picture: Getty Images

Taipans president Troy Stone praised Forde’s contributions over the years.

“Adam is at the end of a second two-year contract with us, and we recognise that he has a very small window to weigh up his options and offers,” Stone said.

“He’s been upfront and transparent about all of this for some time now, so there are no surprises.

“We encourage him to do what’s best, and what’s great is we have all been part of this process and also considered what’s best for the future of the Club,” said Stone.

“I want to acknowledge that the past four years has had its challenges, both on and off the court, but Adam has weathered the storms with excellence, integrity and leadership.

“He’s a brilliant coach and a good friend to many of us.

“We’re grateful for his tenure at the Taipans and we are all excited for Adam and his young family to take on their next chapter, knowing they will always have a home here in Cairns.”

Adam Forde is a passionate coach who fiercely defended his team. Picture: Getty Images

He was named the NBL23 Coach of the Year and earlier this season celebrated 100 games at Cairns, before reaching 150 games as an NBL head coach.

The NBL25 campaign didn’t go to plan as multiple injury setbacks had the Taipans on track for their worst ever season.

Cairns recovered, finishing the season with an 8-21 record - their worst in Forde’s four seasons at the helm.

As for what’s next, Forde is yet to decide.

He will shift into an unannounced remote role for the Taipans while he considers his next move, with overseas offers understood to be among those options.

Forde acknowledged it was a big step to leave the NBL but is looking forward to broadening his basketball horizons.

“My family and I have experienced four wonderful years in Cairns,” Forde said.

“The community has made us feel at home, and for that we’ll always be connected.

Adam Forde brought up 100 games as Taipans coach, and 150 as a NBL coach, this season. Picture: Getty Images

“The Taipans have given me such an amazing opportunity to coach this club, and from this experience I grew such a large appreciation of how much this team means to the people who work here, and the city that supports them.

“I hope you see I did my best to represent you as the proud passionate fanbase that you are.

“A special thank you to Mark Beecroft, Troy Stone and Jasmine Amis who gave me the support and guidance a head coach can only dream of. As well as to all the board members and staff members of the Taipans, a personal thank you from me.

“Some professional opportunities have arisen that are worth exploring.

“It is uncharted waters for me that I venture into now during these coming months, but I know these wouldn’t have eventuated without the platform the Taipans have provided to me.”

Originally published as Taipans, Adam Forde, make key decision on NBL coaching future