Perth Wildcats coach Scott Morrison has resigned after a season in the NBL as the turmoil hits the team

Perth Wildcats coach Scott Morrison has resigned as the turmoil sweeping the NBL’s most successful club continues.

Morrison resigned for “family reasons” which the Wildcats said would require him to return to North America.

The Canadian is leaving the club after just one season in the presidency, during which Perth lost the NBL playoffs for the first time in 35 years.

Morrison’s departure comes just days after the club fired longtime CEO Troy Georgiou, according to what the new Sports Entertainment Network owner called the desire for “further consolidation and alignment” within the company.

Bryce Cotton holds his shirt over his mouth and looks up in frustration
Bryce Cotton and the Wildcats lost last season’s playoffs and now need a new coach.(Getty Images: Paul Kane)

That means the Wildcats would have three coaches in just 12 months, with Morrison’s tenure preceded by the departure of Trevor Gleeson to pursue a career in the NBA.

“Difficult decision”: Morrison

“While I have enjoyed coaching this team, recent developments have led us as a family to feel that it is in our children’s best interest to be closer to home where there is a broader and more intimate support system,” Morrison said in a statement.

“My family and team have taken great strides to exhaust all options to allow us to return comfortably to Perth, but my wife Susanne and I have made the difficult decision that we believe will benefit our children the most.”

Scott Morrison and the Wildcats
Under Morrison, the Wildcats failed to advance to the NBL playoffs for the first time in 35 years.(AAP: Richard Wainwright)

Prior to Morrison’s departure, the club had strongly supported him in continuing his role, even after the absence of the playoffs.

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The Wildcats said they were disappointed they lost Morrison, but realized “the family comes first”.

“The club will now undertake an extensive search process to appoint a new coach,” the Wildcats said in a statement.

More follow.

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