NBL News 2023: Illawarra Hawks Sack Coach Jacob Jackomas Amid Horror Two-year Losing Stretch
The head coach of the Illawarra Hawks, Jacob Jackomas, has been fired. However, it appears that the firing has been in the works for a few days, and one of the most well-known figures in the NBA is reportedly involved in the news.
Jayson Tatum, a standout player for the Boston Celtics, was informed of Jacob Jackomas' dismissal on Tuesday morning before the team made the announcement.
Tatum disclosed that he was informed of his dad's appointment as interim coach of the Hawks on Sunday night (US time).
After scoring 35 points to lead the Celtics against the Knicks on Tuesday, the team's All-Star forward confirmed the news in his postgame press conference.
Tatum stated of his father, Justin, and his appointment as the interim coach for Illawarra, "I found out last night - I'm extremely happy for him and proud of him."
"That's a significant advance. I am aware that he has been working hard to enhance his credentials as a coach and expand his résumé.
Since the beginning of this year, he has been living in Australia, where he has taken the position of head coach for the Hawks.
"I'm happy and excited for him."
Secret meetings that spelled the end for axed coach
Before it fired failing mentor Jacob Jackomas, Illawarra had previously made contact with both Brian Goorjian and Trevor Gleeson, two of Australia's top coaches. This was done before the club fired Jackomas.
According to the information gathered by Code Sports, the Hawks were getting ready to make a move on Jackomas in the event that the squad, which has only two wins after nine starts this season, turned in another dismal performance.
The 81-71 loss that the Hawks suffered at the hands of the Cairns Taipans on Saturday night was the final straw for the Hawks administration, and on Tuesday morning they made the decision to fire Jackomas.
Goorjian, Jackomas's former assistant at Illawarra, has stated that the Hawks approached him about rejoining the team, but he declined.
In 2020 and 2022, Goorjian coached the Hawks to the conference semifinals both years. "There was a reach out to me, like two weeks ago, but my plate, right now, is full," he remarked.
"I've got a situation with the Boomers, and I think it is really good that I'm not coaching domestically right now because it gives me some breathing room."
"There is also my bond with Jacob to consider. I am his advisor; we have collaborated in the past, and this opportunity was presented to him.
"You are aware; you are making a mistake.
"It was something that Hawks owner Jared (Novelly) discussed with me, and it was immediately shot down," Novelly said of the job opportunity.
Coders in Athletics Get It Last week, Illawarra also reached out to Gleeson to see if he was interested.
Both Jackomas and Gleeson have been contacted by Code Sports.
Former NBA assistant coach and Perth Wildcats great Gleeson has not yet stated whether or not he is interested in leading the Hawks, who are currently in last place.
Following the worst two-year stretch in the history of the club's performance, the Hawks made the decision to end Jackomas' time with the organisation early on Tuesday.
After a meeting with Jackomas on Tuesday morning, ownership of the Hawks and Jackomas came to the conclusion that it was in both sides' best interests to terminate the contract. This came after the Hawks got off to a terrible start to the season, going 2-7.
Jackomas had a contract with the club that ran until the end of 2026, but the management was obliged to take action because of his poor performance.
Jackomas compiled a record of 5-32 throughout his two years in control of the team, while the previous year's record of 3-25 set a new all-time low for the franchise.
Jackomas was recognised by Mat Campbell, the general manager of basketball operations for the Hawks, for his service to the club during the sixteen months he served as head coach and the two years he served as an assistant coach prior to that.
Campbell stated that "these decisions are never taken lightly," and on behalf of the club, he wanted to thank Jacob for all of his hard work during his time at the Hawks and wish him luck in his future coaching endeavors. "These decisions are never taken lightly," Campbell said.
"Unfortunately, our performances over the first nine games of the NBL24 season have not met the expectations of the club. This comes after a challenging NBL23 campaign, and we agreed that Jacob should finish his duties."
CEO of the Hawks, Stu Taggart, praised Jackomas' efforts and emphasised the significance of on-court success in bolstering the club's revitalised approach.
"I would like to thank Jacob for the work ethic and professionalism he brought with him daily during his time with the Hawks," added Taggart.
"The club has not wavered in its dedication to developing a basketball program as well as an organisation that is centered on achieving consistently high levels of performance and achievement. The head coach is responsible for the leadership of the team as well as the direction that the team is heading, and the club needs to adopt a different road right now, without any delay.
During the time that the Hawks are conducting a search for a new head coach, Hawks assistant coach Justin Tatum will immediately take over head coaching responsibilities. The club will give further information after the search for a new head coach has been completed.