Head coach Paul Henare has left the New Zealand Breakers.
Henare informed the ANBL basketball club that he'd rejected their contract extension.
Paul Henare Photo: Photosport
Henare had been head coach of the Breakers since 2015, but won't be at the helm at the start of the 2018-19 NBL season.
A Fox Sports report said, the 39-year-old informed the Breakers' ownership of his decision today, telling them, according to a team source: "I will not be looking to re-sign with the club for next season. I wish the club the best for the future and thank the Breakers family for all the support over the last 15 years."
A long-time member of the franchise, Henare was a member of the Breakers' playing group from 2003 to 2011, winning an NBL Championship in his final year.
In 2013, Henare became an assistant coach for the Breakers, before being promoted to the helm of the team in 2015.
Henare's final season with the Breakers saw him lead the team to a semifinals berth, before bowing out of the NBL postseason with a loss to Melbourne United.
Club owner Matt Walsh said Henare indicated to the club that he will look elsewhere for his next opportunity, with his current contract taking him through to the end of this month.
"We have been in discussion with Paul about a new deal, but he has decided to pursue other opportunities," said Walsh.
"Paul was offered a contract extension during the season which he turned down, and I have since been in further discussions with him, but he has made the decision to move on.
"We wish Paul all the best in the future and thank him for his huge contribution to the club, on and off court."
The club will now move to advertise the position of head coach and will do so as it looks at the wider context of its basketball operations for the new season.
-RNZ
