Brett Brown Steps Down as Boomers Coach

Brett Brown has stepped down as Australian Boomers coach.

Brown, the former coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, was set to lead the Boomers in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. However, due to a change in his personal circumstances over recent months, Brown is unable to commit to the national team and has stepped down.

“Whilst I have a deep and long-standing passion for Australian Basketball, I am currently unable to commit to coaching the Boomers at next year’s Olympic Games,” Brown said.

“The uncertainties around the direction of my professional future unfortunately mean that I cannot commit to the time and preparation that this job deserves and requires. The difficulties around traveling internationally with my family during the pandemic have also contributed to my decision.

"It is important for me to give Basketball Australia, the Coach, and players, the necessary time for a full and thorough Olympic Games preparation in the event that the Games do proceed.

“This was a difficult decision which did not come easy. My past experiences with the current Boomer players are among my most memorable as a coach.

“To coach the Boomers was a privilege and an honour. I will work closely with Basketball Australia in any way that I can to ensure a smooth and successful transition.”

Brown has a long history with the Australian national team, serving as an assistant coach between 1995 and 2003 and the head coach from 2009-2012. He coached the Boomers at the 2012 London Olympics.

He was re-hired as Australian coach last November. The Tokyo Olympics were originally scheduled to take place from July 24-August 9 this year but due to COVID-19, they will now take place from July 23-August 8, 2021.

“Basketball Australia is naturally disappointed that Brett is no longer able to commit to being the Boomers head coach for the delayed Tokyo Olympics but we fully understand Brett’s situation, and appreciate his candidness when informing us of the decision,” Basketball Australia CEO Jerril Rechter said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is creating a challenging environment for all sports in which to operate. The Tokyo Olympics is an important event for Basketball Australia and our male athletes, as collectively we believe the Boomers have an excellent opportunity to claim their first ever Olympic medal.

“Basketball Australia will commence recruitment for this position in the coming period, with details of the process to be released in due course.”

Brown was most recently the coach of the 76ers from 2013-2020, where he coached Australian superstar Ben Simmons. He won an NBL championship as coach of the North Melbourne Giants in 1994, the same year he was named the league’s Coach of the Year.