Wells leaves behind a strong record, deep finals runs and a decision driven by family priorities.<\/p>\n
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He departs Adelaide with a 58 per cent win rate, recording 41 wins from 71 games and guiding the 36ers to the brink of a long-awaited championship. The 36ers pushed the Sydney Kings to a deciding Game 5 in this season\u2019s Championship Series, falling in overtime after coming within seconds of the title in regulation.<\/p>\n
The 36ers also reached the final of the inaugural Ignite Cup during the same campaign, capping off a season that underlined their rise as one of the league\u2019s premier teams.<\/p>\n
Wells arrived ahead of NBL25 initially as an assistant before being elevated to head coach, immediately steering Adelaide back into finals for the first time in seven years. He built on that momentum in NBL26, delivering 27 wins from 41 games, the club\u2019s best regular season since the championship-winning \u201cInvincibles\u201d of 1986.<\/p>\n
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 17: Mike Wells, coach of the 36ers during game three in the NBL Playoff Series between Adelaide 36ers and South East Melbourne Phoenix at Adelaide Entertainment Centre, on March 17, 2026, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
In a club statement, the 36ers revealed that Wells had signed an extension through to the end of NBL28, but said his decision to step away came after deep reflection on family priorities.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m incredibly proud of what we\u2019ve built in Adelaide over the past two seasons,\u201d Wells said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe players, staff and fans have made my family and me welcome. Adelaide is a special place, and I\u2019m grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the 36ers.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut having spent some time back home in Utah with my sons, seeing my dad who is getting older, realising I have been away from family for much of the past three decades, I know the decision to step down to be with my family is right.\u201d<\/p>\n
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 05: Mike Wells, Head Coach of the 36ers looks dejected after losing game five of the NBL Grand Final series between Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers at Qudos Bank Arena, on April 05, 2026, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
He added that he would continue to follow the club closely from afar.<\/p>\n
\u201cNBL26 was an outstanding season for our group, both collectively and individually,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo see Bryce Cotton secure his sixth MVP, Flynn Cameron earn Most Improved honours, and both Bryce and Zylan Cheatham recognised in the All-NBL First and Second Teams speaks volumes about the talent and commitment within this program.<\/p>\n
\u201cI leave with a heavy heart, but also with a great sense of pride in what we\u2019ve built together.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis organisation is in a strong position moving forward with a talented roster and a cultural foundation that I believe will drive sustained success in NBL27 and beyond. I\u2019ll be watching on with genuine excitement.\u201d<\/p>\n
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 27: Mike Wells, Head coach of the 36ers and Bryce Cotton of the 36ers and Dejan Vasiljevic of the 36ers after the win during game two of the NBL Grand Final series between Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers at Adelaide Entertainment Centre, on March 27, 2026, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Adelaide 36ers Executive Chairman Grant Kelley paid tribute to Wells, acknowledging both his impact and character.<\/p>\n
\u201cMike and I have developed a very strong relationship over a relatively short period of time, so this is a decision I receive with genuine sadness,\u201d Kelley said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is not only an outstanding coach, but a person of great character who has made a significant impact on our club, our players and the broader basketball community in South Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile we would have loved Mike to continue leading the program, we completely understand and respect his decision to prioritise his family.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn behalf of the Adelaide 36ers, I want to sincerely thank Mike, his wife Kerri and their sons for everything they have given to this club and to basketball in this state.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wells brought a deep coaching pedigree, including 26 years in the NBA with stops at the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs and Charlotte Hornets, as well as involvement with Team USA, including the gold medal-winning 2000 Olympic team.<\/p>\n