Coach Petteri Koponen has left the New Zealand Breakers just days after they were crowned champions of the NBL's inaugural in-season tournament.
Koponen leaves the Kiwi club on good terms, opting against seeking a contract extension in order to pursue opportunities closer to home in Finland.
The 37-year-old is also understood to be eager for the chance to be closer to family.
Koponen's wife and children did not relocate to Auckland when he succeeded Mody Maor as coach for the 2024/25 season.
The Breakers will undertake a global search for their next coach after two campaigns missing the post-season.
Injuries cruelled Koponen's first season at the helm before the Breakers narrowly missed the playoffs in his second campaign, placing seventh this year.
Koponen will be remembered for helping the Breakers to win the inaugural Ignite Cup, the NBL's in-season tournament, which came with a $300,000 bonus for the club.
The Breakers defeated heavyweights Adelaide in last Sunday's cup final on the Gold Coast to clinch silverware for the first time since 2015.
Koponen has also been instrumental in the development of NBL Next Star Karim Lopez, rated a future top-10 NBA draft pick.
"My time in New Zealand has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career. I fell in love with this country and the incredible community that supports the Breakers," Koponen said in a statement.
"However, after two seasons of intense growth in the NBL, and the immense satisfaction of bringing the Ignite Cup to Auckland, I am ready for a new challenge. "I am proud of the culture we've built, and I leave with the highest respect for this club."
