Paul Henare is quitting as New Zealand Breakers head coach after failing to come to terms with the NBL club's new owners.
In an announcement which caught most of the basketball fraternity off guard, the Breakers said they will go into next season without the 39-year-old at the helm.
Owner Matt Walsh said the head coach role will be advertised, with Henare indicating he will look elsewhere, ending a two-season stint which finishes later this month.
"We have been in discussion with Paul about a new deal, but he has decided to pursue other opportunities," Walsh said in a statement.
"Paul was offered a contract extension during the season which he turned down and I have since been in further discussions with him but he has made the decision to move on."
Walsh thanked Henare for his contribution to the club, including eight seasons as a player, which began in the club's foundation year of 2003.
Henare, who is the Tall Blacks coach, succeeded Dean Vickerman at the Breakers ahead of the 2015/16 season.
The club narrowly missed the play-offs but they qualified this season ranked fourth, before being swept 2-0 by Melbourne United in the finals.
Some media reports suggest Henare is eyeing the vacant head coaching post at the Cairns Taipans, who have parted ways Aaron Fearne.
It leaves the club in a state of limbo, with only one player - centre Alex Pledger - signed for next season.
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