Gleeson breaks silence on coaching rumours

Thursday, November 30, 2023

"I had a call not long ago from a reporter that I’d said I’d signed for four years, and I said ‘whereabouts?’."

NBL coaching legend Trevor Gleeson’s name continues to be linked with the permanent head coaching job at the Illawarra Hawks, but the five-time NBL champion has revealed the club has had no contact with him, other than an initial phone call.

The Hawks parted ways with Jacob Jackomas following their defeat to Cairns in Round 7 and have appointed Justin Tatum as interim head coach for the foreseeable future.

Tatum won his opening game in charge of Illawarra in what was a low-scoring and gritty clash against fellow strugglers New Zealand, ahead of the mid-season break.

Gleeson says he believes Tatum will likely remain in charge, following the strength of his first game as head coach.

“I think they’re quite happy with Justin Tatum,” Gleeson told The Dribble Podcast. “I thought he did a good job first up. They’re have a break, so they’re probably practicing and ready to go hard for this round of games.”

As well as putting pay to the rumours of his appointment by the Hawks, Gleeson also poured water on a potential imminent return to the NBL.

“I don’t know where the rumours start,” Gleeson continued. “I had a call not long ago from a reporter that I’d said I’d signed for four years, and I said ‘whereabouts?’.

“Nothing is happening. I think my next adventure will probably be overseas.

“I’ll enjoy summer in Perth and go from there.”

Illawarra’s next game under Tatum is set for Sunday, December 3 against the Brisbane Bullets.