Brisbane Bullets part ways with coach Justin Schueller after disappointing season

The Brisbane Bullets are on the lookout for a new coach, with Justin Schueller paying the price for a failed season in which they missed the NBL finals.

Justin Schueller is out as coach of the Brisbane Bullets with a year to run on his contract.

The club, on Monday, called the shock move a ‘coaching transition’ and Schueller will finish up at the club immediately.

Code Sports revealed last week Schueller was under pressure to hold onto his job amid a review into the club’s basketball operations and high performance program after an injury-riddled NBL25 campaign derailed the Bullets’ season.

It was not immediately clear exactly why Schueller and the club had parted ways but Code Sports has been told players had gone to management with concerns over the team’s intense pre-season regimen, which they believe contributed to an unprecedented injury toll. The team’s 12-17 record did not help after a 13-15 mark in NBL24, but it’s widely felt Schueller would be given another season in the hope of a clear run at it.

Only last week, the 44-year-old told Code Sports he was eyeing a contract extension in Brisbane.

Justin Schueller has had a tumultuous tenure as coach of the Bullets. Picture: Getty

“I’m going into my third year and going to be talking to the club about what it looks like past that, pretty soon, there’s nothing going on with me and I’m excited for what we’re going to do in years to come,” a positive Schueller said last week.

“We’re obviously frustrated with injuries impacting the way our year’s ended up but our process will be the same as always, we’ll review, as we always do, players, staff, every element of the club.”

But the 44-year-old is now out as coach, Bullets chief executive Mal Watts saying Schueller had “provided a platform for the club to pursue new heights”.

“I want to acknowledge and thank Justin for his contributions,” Watts said.

“Coaching changes are always tough and we respect the work he has done during his tenure.

“I can see the experience has also enhanced his growth and look forward to seeing what is next for Justin.”

Brisbane Bullets CEO Malcolm Watts. Picture: John Gass

Watts said the club would run a process to identify its next coach.

“We are committed to ensuring the progress to date continues to take a significant step forward in NBL26,” Watts said.

“This is a crucial decision for the club, and we are committed to ensuring we have the best direction in place to drive our team forward and deliver a strong and competitive season.”

Schueller, regarded as one of Australia’s most respected young coaches, joined Brisbane in 2023 on a two-year deal, sparking optimism at the Bullets after his six seasons at Melbourne United as an assistant, which included two NBL championships.

He has been a part of the Australian Junior programs for a decade, holding the head coach position of the Australian U17 Men for their World Cup campaigns since 2017.

Then Bullets CEO Peter McLennan hailed Schueller’s appointment as a game changer for a club that hasn’t won a championship since 2007.

“We believe he has all the necessary traits to lead our group moving forward. Justin’s vision, goals and values align well with what the organisation wants to achieve and he will play a pivotal role both on and off the court,” McLennan said.

Schueller is a highly respected figure within Australian basketball. Picture: Getty

“The level of candidates was extremely high and we’d like to sincerely thank everyone who participated throughout our process, and for allowing us the necessary time to complete our search.”

Schueller had big plans for the Bullets to become a consistent force in the NBL. He was also excited about the potential for growth ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

“I’m excited and honoured to be joining the Bullets and look forward to leading the club forward as we chase our next championship for this proud club,” Schueller said.

“This has been something I have been wanting for a long time and I couldn’t think of a better club to be joining.”

“It’s an exciting time for the club. We have two Olympians on our roster to build around, a fan base that is always there behind the team and an opportunity to turn our on-court output around quickly.

“I can’t wait to get started building this roster and get to work with the group.”

Schueller’s departure means both teams in the Sunshine State are searching for new head coaches after Adam Forde and the Cairns Taipans agreed to move in a different direction.

Code Sports has contacted Schueller.

Originally published as Brisbane Bullets part ways with coach Justin Schueller after disappointing season