Highly regarded NBL coach lands US gig

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

After guiding teams deep into the NBL Finals and gaining experience with the Boomers, Jacob Chance is taking the next step in his coaching career.

Melbourne United assistant coach Jacob Chance is set to depart the club, taking on a role as the head coach of the Austin Spurs in the NBA’s G League.

Chance has been at United for the past two seasons, after two years at the JackJumpers, playing a key role in Finals campaigns with both clubs.

“I’m very excited, it’s a great opportunity to test everything I’ve learnt over my time in the NBL,” he told the club’s website.

“I’m super privileged to be joining an organisation like the Spurs, which operates not too dissimilar to the way we do here. United is a club that supports its people, which made it such a challenging decision to leave.”

Chance has also coached the Australian Boomers during the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, and has been touted as a potential national coach of the future.

“We couldn’t be happier for Chancey,” Melbourne head coach Dean Vickerman said.

“At our club, we don’t just want great coaches and players, we want great people, and from the second he walked in the door, we knew he was a perfect fit for our culture.

“It can’t be understated the work he’s put in over the past two seasons to help us win as many games as we did, while also helping to prepare our group for NBL26.”