Dave Joerger could be headed for a return to a head coaching role, this time outside the NBA, with Melbourne United emerging as a possible next destination.
According to Australia’s NBL.com.au, Melbourne United recently interviewed the current Milwaukee Bucks assistant about taking over as head coach following Dean Vickerman’s departure. The report described Joerger as a leading candidate for the position after the franchise became the final NBL team still searching for a coach.
The move would represent a significant career shift for Joerger, who has spent the last two seasons on Milwaukee’s coaching staff after previous NBA head coaching stops with the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings.
At 52, the veteran coach carries extensive experience leading teams through transition periods. During his time in Memphis, Joerger coached a veteran-heavy roster built around defensive identity and playoff basketball, compiling a 147-99 regular-season record across three seasons and guiding the franchise to postseason appearances each year.
His Sacramento tenure from 2016 to 2019 came under different circumstances, as the Kings moved through a rebuild centered on younger talent and pace-driven offense. Although Sacramento did not reach the playoffs during that stretch, Joerger gained a reputation for player development and offensive adaptability.
