Coach Chris Lucas has stepped down after guiding the Townsville Fire to back to back WNBL titles, opting to return home to Adelaide with his family.
Lucas finishes with a 83-44 winning record after five consecutive seasons of reaching the WNBL playoffs and four grand final appearances.
However after spending the past eight years on the road, including a three-year stint as an assistant for the Canberra Capitals between 2009 and 2011, he made the decision to head home.
"I have absolutely loved my time in Townsville with the club," Lucas said.
"My vision was for us to win a championship within three years.
"It took us four years, but to make the playoffs in the first season, the grand final in the ensuing four years and two championship titles in the past two years is exceptional."
Lucas informed the board, headed by chair Michelle Morton, of his decision earlier this week.
"His dedication to his craft and his desire to win ensured that he demanded the absolute best from his players and the on-court results speak for themselves," Morton said.
"It wasn't an easy decision, and while we would have loved for him to return, Chris has made the best decision for himself and his family and we wish him well."
Assistant coach Claudia Brassard will take charge of the Fire's list in the short-term, before a fulltime coach is appointed.
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