Adelaide 36ers head coach Mike Wells has quit after the team's championship loss to the Sydney Kings. Wells cited family reasons for his decision. The 36ers lost the decisive game of the five-game NBL championship series last month. Wells recently signed a contract extension for two more seasons, but said the decision to stand down came after a lot of reflection. 'I'm incredibly proud of what we've built in Adelaide over the past two seasons,' he said. 'The players, staff and fans have made my family and me welcome. 'Adelaide is a special place, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the 36ers. 'But having spent some time back home in Utah with my sons, seeing my dad who is getting older, realising I have been away from family for much of the past three decades, I know the decision to step down to be with my family is right.' The American replaced former head coach Scott Ninnis in the role two years ago. Ninnis was sacked one season into a two-year contract. He replaced CJ Bruton, who was also sacked after a poor on-court performance. Adelaide 36ers executive chair Grant Kelley said the club was disappointed to lose Wells but fully supported his decision. 'While we would have loved Mike to continue leading the program, we completely understand and respect his decision to prioritise his family,' Mr Kelley said. The 36ers dismissed rumours Wells would leave the club a week after their loss to the Kings. Wells was the subject of several rumours during the season, with the club rejecting claims of disharmony. The Sydney Kings won the NBL title over the 36ers on Easter Sunday with a dramatic 113-101 overtime scoreline. It was the Kings' third title in the past five seasons, while the 36ers have not lifted the championship trophy since 2002. The 36ers will start searching for a new coach immediately. The club's general manager, Matt Weston, said his phone has 'lit up like a Christmas tree' with coach options. Weston said he wanted someone who was ready to win big games. 'I do want someone that has been a head coach, not an aspiring head coach. I want a head coach that has significant experience and has been in big games, because we're built to win right now,' he said. Five-time championship-winning coach Trevor Gleeson is among the names Weston said were 'out there'. Gleeson has expressed a desire to return to the NBL. He has been the head coach of the Chiba Jets in Japan since 2024 after a stint in the NBA.