United confirm Vickerman's departure after nine seasons

Melbourne United confirmed on Tuesday that Head Coach Dean Vickerman is set to depart the club, following a historically successful run over the past nine seasons.

Vickerman, while still contracted through until the end of the NBL28 season, has taken up an option in his deal allowing him to explore international opportunities.

Since taking the role in the 2017-18 season, Vickerman has led United to more wins than any other club (199), as well as a pair of NBL Championship victories (2018 and 2021).

Adding to this has been Vickerman’s commitment to developing talent both on and off the court.

He assisted stars such as Jock Landale, Jack White, Ariel Hukporti, and Luke Travers achieve the goal of playing in the NBA, while also building an elite coaching tree featuring names such as Jacob Chance, Paul Henare, Mike Kelly, Simon Mitchell, Ross McMains, Justin Schueller and Darryl McDonald.

Melbourne United CEO Nick Truelson explained the impact Vickerman has made on the entire organisation.

“Seeing how Dean has led this club across the past nine years has been truly remarkable,” Truelson said

“He has been the epitome of leadership, both on the court where he has driven tremendous success, and off the court, where he has worked with our owners, front office, partners and members to build Melbourne United into the powerhouse it is today.

“Whether it be players, high-performance staff, fellow coaches or office admin staff, Dean created an environment where everyone’s voice is heard and valued, in turn earning him the respect of everyone around him.

“Our core values; selfless, excellence and inclusive, were established with significant input from Dean, and they are what he has lived each and every day at Melbourne United.

“Our history will forever be linked with Dean Vickerman, and we thank him for what he has been able to create here in Melbourne.”

The three-time Coach of the Year winner departs Melbourne United and the NBL with the seventh-most coaching victories of all time (249), the third-most Finals wins of all time (31), and the second-best winning percentage of anyone to have coached more than 250 games (62.6).