FORMER Adelaide 36ers NBL coach Mike Dunlap has reportedly been hired as the new head coach for Michael Jordan's NBA team the Charlotte Bobcats.
Dunlap coached the 36ers from 1994-96 with great success, as they finished runners-up in his first year and made the playoffs in his final two, before the American returned to the US following the death of his father.
Media outlets in the US are reporting the 54-year-old is the surprise candidate to take over the reins at the battling Bobcats, who are owned by NBA legend Jordan.
Dunlap worked as an assistant at the Denver Nuggets but has served most of his coaching apprenticeship in the college system.
He'll have his work cut out for him in his debut NBA posting after Charlotte finished the 2011-12 season with the worst winning percentage in the competition's history.
The Bobcats finished 7-59 during the shortened season.
Dunlap's arrival in Adelaide coincided with the signing of 1993 NBL MVP Robert Rose who had previously played with the Los Angeles Clippers.
During his time at Adelaide Dunlap brought Brett Maher into the 36ers, but also made the tough call to cut Rose and other domestic stars including Phil Smyth and Chris Blakemore.
Under Dunlap, Adelaide were swept in the 1994 grand final by the North Melbourne Giants 2-0.
An official announcement on Dunlap's appointment will reportedly be made by Charlotte in the coming days.