13
Jun
Breaking News
Adam Forde is back as head coach of Cairns Taipans
Cairns Taipans coach Adam Forde during the round 19 NBL match between New Zealand Breakers and Cairns Taipans at Spark Arena, on February 1, 2025, in Auckland, New Zealand. Photo: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images
Head coach Adam Forde makes stunning return to Cairns Taipans for NBL26
- NBL championship coach Adam Forde has re-signed with the Cairns Taipans
- Forde left the club in February in search of new opportunities
- Cairns Taipans finished last with an 8-21 in NBL25
Adam Forde will return as the head coach of the Cairns Taipans for NBL26, it has been announced.
“A lot has changed over the last four months," Forde said.
"I haven’t been able to get a break from basketball like this before and it gave me the chance to step back.
"I’ve witnessed how hard everyone has been working this off-season and it's really exciting.
"I just knew I had to be part of the new era for the Cairns Taipans."
Forde, 43, decided not to renew his contract with Cairns at the end of NBL25 after joining the North Queensland club in 2021.
At the time, Forde said: "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."
The Taipans (8-21) finished last on the NBL25 ladder but were ravaged by injuries.
Taipans President Troy Stone said: "This Club has been navigating major changes this off-season and Adam’s initial departure was one of them.
“We’ve been really impressed by the calibre of coaches that were interested and interviewed to be part of the Cairns Taipans. It’s been rewarding.
“But, it’s worth noting that Adam has not just walked back into his old job — there have been robust conversations in the background.
"Our landscape is changing, and he’s seen it firsthand now.
"He didn’t want to miss the opportunity to be part of this club’s evolution, and we couldn’t be happier.
“As part of this broader change we will all evolve and get better. That goes for everyone, from Adam to his assistants, to everyone in the front office.
"This is a positive and exciting step forward for all of us."
After leaving Cairns Forde was appointed interim head coach of the Australian men’s 3x3 team that won gold at the Asia Cup and Bronze at the inaugural 3x3 Champions Cup.
Adam Forde's coaching career
- 2010: Rockingham Flames
- 2011: East Perth Eagles (assistant)
- 2011–2012: West Coast Waves (assistant)
- 2012–2015: East Perth Eagles
- 2013–2019: Perth Wildcats (assistant)
- 2019: East Perth Eagles
- 2019–2020: Sydney Kings (assistant)
- 2020–2021: Sydney Kings
- 2021: Hawke's Bay Hawks
- 2021–2025: Cairns Taipans
Accolades
- 4× NBL champion (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019)
- SBL champion (2014)
- NBL Coach of the Year (2023)
