Illawarra has sacked NBL coach Jacob Jackomas following the club’s worst performing two-year period in history.
Hawks ownership met with Jackomas on Tuesday morning, with both parties agreeing it was in the best interests to end the contract – after the Hawks limped to a dreadful 2-7 start to the season.
Jackomas was contracted until the end of 2026, but poor results forced the club to act.
In his two seasons in charge, Jackomas had a 5-32 record, while last season’s 3-25 record was a franchise low.
Hawks General Manager, Basketball Mat Campbell, thanked Jackomas for his contribution to the club over the past 16 months as head coach and the preceding two years as assistant coach.
“These decisions are never taken lightly, and on behalf of the club, I want to thank Jacob for all his hard work during his time at the Hawks and wish him well in his future coaching endeavours,” Campbell said.
“Unfortunately, our performances over the first nine games of the NBL24 season, following a challenging NBL23 campaign, have not met the club’s expectations, and we agreed that Jacob should finish his duties.”
Hawks CEO Stu Taggart also recognised Jackomas’ efforts whilst reiterating the importance of on-court performance in supporting the Club’s renewed strategy.
“I would like to thank Jacob for the work ethic and professionalism he brought with him daily during his time with the Hawks,” Taggart said.
“The club remains firmly committed to building a basketball program and an organisation focused on sustained performance and success. The leadership of the team and the direction the team is taking are the responsibilities of the head coach, and the club must take a different path now, without delay.”
Hawks assistant coach Justin Tatum will assume interim head coaching duties immediately while the club commences its search for a new head coach and will provide further information once that process is complete.
Originally published as NBL news 2023: Illawarra Hawks sack coach Jacob Jackomas amid horror two-year losing stretch