Rob Beveridge has opened the door for a move to the Sydney Kings after announcing his departure from the Illawarra Hawks .
The veteran NBL coach called time on his Wollongong stint after four seasons on Wednesday, despite having one campaign still to run on a four-year extension agreed to in 2017.
The mutual decision opens the door for the respected mentor at the Kings after Andrew Gaze on Tuesday announced his intention to leave his post at season's end.
"I am proud of what I have achieved in my four seasons with the club and I know that I am leaving the club in a very strong position for the future," Beveridge said.
Beveridge replaced Gordie McLeod in Wollongong for the 2015-16 season and immediately took them to the semi-finals.
He signed a four-year contract extension the following year as they went one better, falling to league heavyweights Perth in the grand final series.
In cutting that contract short after back-to-back finals disappointment, the coach has added intrigue to the NBL's off-season coaching movements.
Beveridge had been put forward as a candidate to replace Gaze in Sydney, given his connection with star Kings pair Andrew Bogut and Brad Newley, who he coached to gold at the 2003 World Junior Championships.
Kings point guard Kevin Lisch also worked under Beveridge while in Perth, where the coach won a title in 2010.
The Hawks, who were in this season's finals hunt until the penultimate regular-season round, are the only remaining NBL foundation club.
"I am extremely thankful to the Illawarra Hawks for giving me the opportunity of being part of an incredible club with so much history and tradition," Beveridge said.
"No matter where my journey may lead to, I will leave this club with very fond memories and will cherish this forever."
Australian Associated Press
