Simon Mitchell Steps Down as Phoenix Coach

Simon Mitchell will depart the South East Melbourne Phoenix, after stepping down as the club's head coach. 

Mitchell has been at the Phoenix since its inaugural season in 2019/20, leading them to a 47 per cent winning record and two finals campaigns in that time. 

"As a club we have made finals two of our first four years in existence and are established in the hearts and minds of the people of the Heartland. Simon has played a massive role in our success,” Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer said.

"He was here when we didn’t even have an office, all we were was a piece of paper, and he has been a pivotal part of our growth.

"His work ethic is second-to-none and what he’s given to this club is amazing; he’s given everything to the Phoenix, and he will be missed. Any success we have going forward he laid the foundation for, and his contribution will be remembered and honoured at the Phoenix."

Mitchell felt he was no longer the right person to take the group forward and that a new voice would give the club its best chance of success. 

“After going through our season reviews, I’ve come to the conclusion that for the progress of the club and myself I think we’re better off moving in different directions going forward,” he said.

Mitchell joined the club from Melbourne United where he was an assistant coach for four years.

He was also an assistant coach at the Melbourne Tigers, where he was part of their 2008 NBL Championship, and Head of Basketball Operations at the Frankston Blues and Knox Basketball.

The Phoenix have started the process of searching for a replacement.