Record EuroLeague coaching changes sparks controversy: « The problem is the people who hire them »

The 2025-2026 EuroLeague season has set an unwanted record. With no fewer than 10 coaching changes throughout the campaign in Europe’s top competition (admittedly, the league also expanded from 18 to 20 clubs), the situation has reached alarming proportions. The latest dismissal of Dubai coach Jurica Golemac, coming just one week before the end of the regular season, broke all records.

This firing is particularly striking given its timing, as Dubai (11th place) isn’t even officially eliminated from the play-in race and can still fight for their chances in the final match. The UAE club is also leading the ABA League, making the decision even more puzzling.

« It’s inconceivable that contracts are signed without being respected »

This latest dismissal prompted a strong reaction from Dimitris Itoudis. The Greek coach of Hapoel Tel-Aviv is among only 10 other coaches who have kept their positions throughout the entire season – representing just half of all EuroLeague coaches. As president of the EuroLeague Head Coaches Board (EHCB), the two-time champion (2016 and 2019) spoke out in an interview with Greek Basketball Federation radio, with his comments reported by EuroHoops.

Dimitris Itoudis voiced his opinion about the unprecedented wave of coach firings this EuroLeague season 👀 pic.twitter.com/GnSuAvJnH4

— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) April 14, 2026

« It’s as if there’s a trend toward cannibalism, devouring coaches, this year in EuroLeague. I’m also speaking as President of the EuroLeague coaches association. It’s sad when someone is hired for 3 years, or extended for 2 years, and then fired after 10 days. At that point, I think the problem isn’t the person who was fired, but the person who hired them. When you hire someone, you must respect the agreement you made. It’s inconceivable that contracts are signed without being respected, » Itoudis declared.

For Itoudis, coaches have become easy scapegoats when teams struggle with results, even if it means breaking contract terms. Among the 10 coaching changes this season, two occurred at French clubs: Vassilis Spanoulis at Monaco and Francesco Tabellini in Paris, both replaced by assistants (Manuchar Markoishvili and Julius Thomas respectively). ASVEL will also see a change, as Pierric Poupet‘s contract expires at season’s end – though this isn’t counted among the 10 dismissals.

A major coaching carousel awaits this summer, with Vassilis Spanoulis among the top candidates. The former Monaco coach had expressed his desire to take time for himself and his family after being exhausted by the situation in the Principality. All this unfolds with NBA Europe’s arrival on the horizon.

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