Forde's Cairns Future Never in Doubt

Given his incredible second season in charge of the Cairns Taipans, the likelihood of Adam Ford leaving Far North Queensland for pastures new always seemed low. Now it’s confirmed the fan-favourite coach will be staying with the Snakes.

After suffering a ninth-place finish in his first season at the helm in NBL22, Forde and the Taipans re-tooled ahead of the new campaign to finish third on the ladder and earn a Playoff berth. They came within one game of a first Championship Series appearance since 2015, but well to the Kings in Game 3 of the series.

For his input in the drastic improvement of the side, Forde was awarded the NBL23 Coach of the Year trophy.

He says there wasn’t ever much doubt around his immediate future with the club.

“It didn’t bother me too much. The people who needed to know, knew,” Forde told News Corp.

“I didn’t pay too much mind to it … just chatting with a few of our players, the general conversation always alluded to the fact I didn’t envision me going anywhere else.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">HE. IS. BACK. ?<br><br>Adam Forde returns as the Head Coach for TWO MORE YEARS!! ? <a href="https://t.co/Os0oTobFop">pic.twitter.com/Os0oTobFop</a></p>&mdash; Cairns Taipans (@CairnsTaipans) <a href="https://twitter.com/CairnsTaipans/status/1631590979160666113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

With a number of Cairns’ star players – including Keanu Pinder, DJ Hogg, Bul Kuol and Shannon Scott off contract heading into next season, there’s a chance the Taipans could take to the floor with a drastically different side in NBL24.

Forde re-built the side ahead of its successful NBL23 campaign and is prepared to do it again if he needs to.

“I feel like as a coach one of my main strengths is talent identification and bringing in those types of players that will suit the model we want to strive for.

“That’s the exciting part for me.”

For the full story head to >> NBL: Adam Forde reveals why he signed new deal with the Taipans.