Mike Wells Steps Down From Adelaide 36ers After Extension

Mike Wells stepped down as head coach of the Adelaide 36ers just one week after signing a contract extension through the end of NBL28. The move ends a two-year run that delivered 41 victories in 71 games and the club’s first finals appearance in seven years.

Wells Ends Adelaide Run

Wells informed the 36ers that he is leaving to be with his family after a lot of reflection. He said he spent time back home in Utah with his sons and saw his dad, who is getting older, after being away from family for much of the past three decades.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built in Adelaide over the past two seasons,” Wells said. “The players, staff and fans have made my family and me welcome. Adelaide is a special place, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the 36ers.”

He also said, “I leave with a heavy heart, but also with a great sense of pride in what we’ve built together.”

NBL26 Breakthrough

The departure closes a stretch that included the 36ers’ best single-season result since 1986. Adelaide won 27 of 41 games in NBL26, then pushed the Sydney Kings to a deciding fifth game in the Championship Series before falling just short in overtime.

That same season also took the club to the final of the inaugural Ignite Cup in-season tournament. Wells arrived ahead of the NBL25 season as an assistant coach and was elevated to head coach during his time with the club.

Adelaide Support

Grant Kelley said the club was disappointed to lose Wells but fully supported his decision. He said Wells, his wife Kerri and their sons had given everything to the club and to basketball in South Australia.

Kelley also said Wells made a significant impact on the club, the players and the broader basketball community in South Australia. Wells said he would remain a 36ers supporter and watch from afar, leaving Adelaide with a roster he described as having a strong cultural foundation for NBL27 and beyond.