Dream Weaver: Will is new Brisbane Bullets coach

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Forty-two-year-old Texan and former Sydney Kings head coach Will Weaver is the new head coach and president of basketball operations at the Brisbane Bullets.

“I love Australia, and the opportunity to return and build something special in Brisbane is incredibly exciting for my family and me,” Weaver said.

“The Bullets have a strong foundation: passionate supporters, committed ownership, and a great city to call home.

“My focus now is building a basketball program that reflects that support and can compete at the highest level.”

Weaver takes over after a dysfunctional NBL26 as the Bullets crashed to the bottom of the ladder, winning just six of 33 games, with first-year head coach Stu Lash stepping down before Christmas, leaving NBL legend Darryl McDonald trying to pick up the pieces.

Weaver coached the Kings in NBL21, making the finals but conceding the championship to the Perth Wildcats due to COVID.

He is the Coaching Innovation Consultant for the Charlotte Hornets in 2025-26.

Weaver has coached in the NBA, G League, NBL, and European and international basketball, as well as serving as an assistant coach for the Australian Boomers. He was on the coaching staff for the Boomers at the 2014 FIBA World Cup, the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2019 World Cup.

Bullets CEO Malcolm Watts said: "Will has all the attributes of a great coach, and his resume attests to that.

“As a person, he is extremely detail-oriented, highly intelligent and a great communicator.

“He has led teams who have established a winning identity and, crucially, he has an aptitude for driving standards off the court, which go hand in hand with his tactical ability.

“We know that when we pull together as a club and a city, we have the potential to do something special, and we are excited to begin this next chapter with him.”

Bullets boss Jason Levien echoed Watts’ belief that Weaver was the right man for the job.

“Over the course of his career and during this process, Will has been deeply impressive,” he said.

“He has a clear vision for how he can build a lasting culture of excellence and bring success to the Bullets on and off the court.

“We are fully behind him as we put the building blocks in place for NBL27 and beyond, and we are thrilled to partner with him in this journey.”

The Bullets' journey up until now has been rocky.

Brisbane finished dead last in NBL26, losing 11 straight in 2026 and finishing with a dismal 6-27 record. They suited up 19 players, and the squad missed almost 270 games combined. The Bullets were beaten by 20 or more 15 times; the worst being a 44-point demolition by the Tasmania JackJumpers, who finished sixth.

Superstar Casey Prather played just 12 games before injuring his knee. Javon Freeman-Liberty (9) left and returned, but injured his hamstring. Lamar Patterson (9) suffered a season-ending knee injury; New Zealand big man Tyrell Harrison missed 8 games; Jaylen Adams was cut after just 13 games; Sam McDaniel missed 23 games; and skipper Mitch Norton missed 10.

D-Mac’s future is now uncertain after taking up the interim role when Lash stepped aside.

He used a pre-New Year’s Eve press conference to push his case for the role permanently.

"They don’t need a coach – I’m right here, man,” McDonald said.

"Stop bringing these coaches from the States. It hasn’t worked. What we're doing is overhauling people. You got a coach right here.

"I know what it takes to win in this league. I’ve won in this league as a player and as an assistant coach. If you feel the need to go get somebody, okay – but the club needs stability. That’s the one thing we haven’t had.

"I haven’t spoken to Jason (Levien) yet. I’m trying to get on a call with him. But I understand – there’s a contract on the table for a guy in the States, but he wouldn’t come until next year. So most likely I’ll finish the year.

"They think a big name’s gonna come in and change things. But you’ve already got somebody in the seat.

“If you give me the opportunity and give me what I want, I’ll win in this league. I know I can."

The Bullets said Weaver’s arrival and coaching staff will be announced in “due course.”