Adam Forde sets sights overseas

The Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans announce that Adam Forde will not be returning next season as Head Coach, however, will remain connected with the Club and Far North Queensland in a new remote role that will be announced soon.

Discussions between the Club and the coach have been positive and ongoing, as Forde has several options overseas which he is currently assessing and exploring. The Club fully supports Forde’s ambitions and will continue to advocate for him throughout his basketball career. 
 
Forde’s new role with the Club will be revealed in the coming weeks, and he will also be involved with the search and selection of the next Taipans Head Coach. 
 
President Troy Stone said that the dialogue between the Board and Forde has been open and honest, as he praised Forde’s contributions over the past four seasons. 
 
“Adam is at the end of a second two-year contract with us, and we recognise that he has a very small window to weigh up his options and offers. He’s been upfront and transparent about all of this for some time now, so there are no surprises. 
 
“We encourage him to do what’s best, and what’s great is we have all been part of this process and also considered what’s best for the future of the Club,” said Stone. 
 
“I want to acknowledge that the past four years has had its challenges, both on and off the court, but Adam has weathered the storms with excellence, integrity and leadership. 
 
“He’s a brilliant coach and a good friend to many of us. We’re grateful for his tenure at the Taipans and we are all excited for Adam and his young family to take on their next chapter, knowing they will always have a home here in Cairns.” 
 
Forde joined the Taipans in 2021, signing a two-year deal before extending and signing a new two-year contract. In his second season, he took the Taipans to the NBL Finals, narrowly missing out on a Grand Finals appearance. The 2022-23 team progressed through the “play-in” tournament (during the season the concept was first introduced) and went on to advance to the semi-finals, taking it to three games against the eventual champions, the Sydney Kings. 
 
Forde is one of the most well-loved coaches in Australian basketball, with player relationships and coaching connections unmatched by many figures in the NBL. He was named the 2023 Coach of the Year and during the recent 2024-25 season celebrated 100 games in Cairns colours, before reaching 150 games as an NBL Head Coach. 
 
The 43-year-old acknowledged it was a big step to leave the Australian league but is looking forward to broadening his basketball horizons. 
 
“My family and I have experienced four wonderful years in Cairns. The community has made us feel at home, and for that we’ll always be connected. 
 
“The Taipans have given me such an amazing opportunity to coach this club, and from this experience I grew such a large appreciation of how much this team means to the people who work here, and the city that supports them. I hope you see I did my best to represent you as the proud passionate fanbase that you are,” said Forde.
 
“A special thank you to Mark Beecroft, Troy Stone and Jasmine Amis who gave me the support and guidance a head coach can only dream of. As well as to all the Board members and staff members of the Taipans, a personal thank you from me.
 
“Some professional opportunities have arisen that are worth exploring. It is uncharted waters for me that I venture into now during these coming months, but I know these wouldn’t have eventuated without the platform the Taipans have provided to me.”
 
The Taipans Board, coaching and support staff, the playing group and the front office wish Adam, Kylie and Carter all the best for their new adventure.