THE Cairns Taipans have hired former Melbourne United assistant, Mike Kelly, as their new head coach, a club spokesperson told foxsports.com.au.

Kelly will join the Taipans on a two-year deal, taking over the reigns from Aaron Fearne, who was at the helm of the team for the past nine seasons.

Having been an assistant coach for United since 2015, Kelly is coming off an NBL Championship winning season, joining a Taipans team that has yet to earn any silverware as a franchise.

“It goes without saying — I cannot wait to be part of this organisation, I’m ready for this role and I am so excited for this new chapter for myself, my family, and this fantastic Club,” Kelly said in a press release, on Friday evening.

“I’ve admired the Taipans for many years — the way they represent their city, the hours they put in to the community and the way they’ve competed on the floor.”

Kelly had previously worked with Kuany Kuany, one of the Taipans’ up-and-coming players, and is said to be a fan of big-man, Nathan Jawai.

Kelly has coached across the NBL — previously with the Wollongong Hawks (2006-07) and Townsville Crocodiles (2013-14), with this Taipans appointment the former player’s first head coaching job in the league.

Huntingtower Heat Basketball Club had a clinic with former Melbourne United player Nate Tomlinson (left) and former assistant coach Mike Kelly. Source: News Corp Australia

“The Taipans have a reputation for their culture, with strong values that reflect the Cairns community, and I will be embracing and building on that ethos.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with Mark [Beecroft] and recruiting a talented, uptempo team that Cairns will be proud of.

“It’s too early to talk roster right now, but I can guarantee it will be a team that competes every single day, and next season is going to be a lot of fun.”

As a player, Kelly won an NBL Championship, as well as two Best Defensive Player awards.

“On behalf of the Club, the Board and the front office — we are thrilled about this new appointment, and cannot wait for Mike to join our team. He has an incredible character, and possesses all the qualities and values we were looking for,” Taipans CEO, Mark Beecroft, said.

“He has so much respect from players and other coaches in the League, we just couldn’t pass him up. It’s common knowledge in basketball circles that Mike would soon be at the helm of an NBL team, and we are fortunate he’s taking that step up with us.”

An official announcement is expected to be made later on Friday night.

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Olgun Uluc covers basketball for Fox Sports Australia. Twitter: @OlgunUluc