Melbourne United has announced coach Chris Anstey has resigned from his role after its 89-61 loss to Cairns Taipans on Sunday.
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United was just one game into the season and played without star import guard Stephen Dennis, who was recovering from a minor knee injury.
Melbourne United assistant coach Darryl McDonald will become interim head coach with the club yet to say what their plans are for future.
In a statement realised on Monday afternoon, the club said Anstey had sensed his message wasn't reaching the players and he had resigned.
The club said Anstey would move into another role at the club, yet to be defined.
"It's not about me being a coach," Anstey said in the club's statement. "It's about the club and doing what is best for the club. The message wasn't getting through, and there needs to be a shake-up.
"The group needs a new voice and there's a bigger picture that needs to be looked at.
"The first thing is always to make sure the club has the best possible chance of success. There have been little signs over the past few weeks that it's not quite right and we haven't clicked.
"This team has been built to compete for championships straight away and the fans, sponsors and members need to see that happening.
"There can be no honeymoon period where we have teething problems. We need to make sure this works."
Anstey said he would be at the game on Sunday and had no hard feelings.
Melbourne United chief executive Vince Crivelli said Anstey had made a selfless decision.
"Chris is such a quality person and a great leader and made a very difficult decision that was solely in the best interests of the organisation," Crivelli said.
"He was true to himself and he was true to the team. Not many people would make such a brave decision as Chris has and we can only admire him for that.
"We have total confidence in Darryl and the coaching and support staff to keep the team focused and performing during this difficult period.
"In the meantime, we will be combing the world, looking for the best possible person to coach Melbourne United."
Some rumours have linked former Melbourne Tigers assistant coach Simon Mitchell with a future role at the club while McDonald has long expressed a desire to coach at NBL level after filling an interim role after Al Westover was fired in 2011.
Melbourne United play Cairns in Cairns on Friday night and host New Zealand Breakers at Hisense Arena on Sunday.