By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Jordi Fernandez has left his position as head coach of the senior national team of Canada.
Asked about a report by Michael Grange on Sportsnet, he pushed back a comment about resigning from his job as the selector of the Canadian national team to after the official announcement by Canada Basketball.
“In fairness to Canada Basketball, I want them to make the announcement,” he mentioned in a media session before the meeting between the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards on Wednesday, “And once they do, I’ll be able to answer all your questions.”
His departure was later officially confirmed by Canada Basketball.
Per the press release: “Canada Basketball today announced that Jordi Fernandez has informed the program that he will not seek to extend his contract as head coach of the senior men’s national team.
Fernandez, who is in his first season as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, said he is grateful for the opportunity to have led Canada’s senior men’s team, recognizing it as an invaluable experience that helped shape his coaching career.
“First and foremost, I want to thank Canada Basketball for the opportunity and the trust they placed in me to represent this country on the global stage,” said Fernandez. “I’m incredibly proud to have represented Canada in a World Cup and the Olympics, and grateful to have experienced both with this special group. Leading Team Canada made me a better coach, and I would not be in the position I am today without this opportunity. I want to thank all of the players and staff who not only succeeded on the court but also created an amazing culture for the group. I have no doubt that Team Canada has a bright future, and the best is yet to come.”
Fernandez’s decision to step away from his role comes as he prioritizes balance with his family and focuses on his responsibilities as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets.
“With careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to step away from my position with Canada Basketball,” Fernandez said. “After several summers away, I feel the need to prioritize finding balance with my family. I also believe it is my responsibility to spend the offseason with the players and coaches here in Brooklyn. We have a young, developing team, and these next few summers will play an important role in the continued growth of both our team and culture.”
Fernandez’s tenure with Canada Basketball was historic, leading the team to its first Olympic qualification in 24 years and capturing a bronze medal at the 2023 FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup – the country’s first-ever podium finish at the event. Canada also finished fifth at the 2024 Olympic Men’s Basketball Tournament held in Paris, France this past summer.
His leadership played a pivotal role in helping elevate the program to new heights on the international stage.
“On behalf of Canada Basketball, I want to sincerely thank Jordi and his family for their dedication and commitment to our program,” said Rowan Barrett, General Manager & Executive Vice-President, Senior Men’s Program. “He stepped in to lead our program at a pivotal time and his impact on our team and Canadian basketball as a whole has been profound. We are grateful for the winning foundation he helped build as we look ahead to the LA 2028 Olympics and beyond.”
Canada Basketball will engage in a process to hire a new head coach as the team continues its preparations for the upcoming quadrennial, running through to the LA 2028 Summer Olympic Games.”
Following a losing display in Barclays Center, the Nets fell to 17-34 in the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season. The distance from the lowest seed of the Eastern Conference leading to a second opportunity to qualify for the Playoffs through the Play-Ins is 4.5 games.
Before being hired as head coach of the NBA franchise last April, the 42-year-old Spanish tactician replaced Nick Nurse and took over as head coach of the men’s national team of Canada in 2023. His efforts combined with a bronze medal in the 2023 FIBA World Cup and ranking fifth overall in the 2024 Olympic Games.
Heading into the next international cycle culminating in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Canada is set to search for the successor of Fernandez.
The next tournament on the schedule is the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup in Nicaragua, provided Canada clinches a berth in the upcoming international window of FIBA.
Photo Credit: FIBA