Perth Wildcats coach Scott Morrison has resigned as the turmoil sweeping the NBL’s most successful club continues.
Basic points:
- Scott Morrison’s resignation comes after Wildcats CEO fired
- Morrison says the “difficult decision” is the best for his family and children
- Extensive research will be done on a new coach, say the Wildcats
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.
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.”
Prior to Morrison’s departure, the club had strongly supported him in continuing his role, even after the absence of the playoffs.
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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