Newcastle Eagles will start the 2022-23 BBL season with a new head coach as Ian MacLeod steps down this summer.

The Geordie playcaller succeeded Fabulous Flournoy three years ago and won three trophies in his first two seasons at the helm.

MacLeod brought three trophies back to Tyneside including the 2021 BBL Cup after beating London Lions 84-77. (Photo: Pete Simmons)

MacLeod, who celebrates a 20-year association with the Eagles next year, will move into a new role within the organisation when this campaign comes to an end.


“I’d like to thank Ian for everything he’s done to develop the club on and off the court during the last three seasons,” said Newcastle’s managing director, Paul Blake.

“It’s important that Ian remains part of the Eagles family and I’d like to wish him all the best ahead of starting his new position in the summer.”

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The former Eagles community coach and head of the Academy is credited with playing a major role in the development of Princeton’s 2022 Ivy League Player of the Year Tosan Evbuomwan, during their time with the EABL team.


Tosan Evbuomwan signed for Princeton University with his then EABL team head coach Ian MacLeod.

“I’ve had an incredibly rewarding and memorable three seasons in charge and I am extremely proud of what I, the team and support staff achieved throughout challenging times”, said MacLeod.

“This season has been extremely difficult and we are disappointed not to be competing at the right end of the table.

“The time is now right to look to the next project, where I am still as committed as ever to growing and improving basketball in the North East and within the club and foundation.”

MacLeod has steered Newcastle through one of the most challenging periods in memory with the COVID affected seasons and more recently with illness and injury to key players, coupled with the loss of the club’s main sponsor, which combined to hamper progress on and off the court.


Ian MacLeod steps down as head coach this summer after leading the team through one of the most challenging periods in the club’s history. (Photo: Abbie Orwin)

But Blake added: “We have some very exciting plans in place for next season and we’re hoping to announce some of them soon.

“I would like to thank all our supporters for being behind us through what has been the toughest season since I took over the club in 1999.

“There have been a multitude of issues on and off court, but we can look forward to the future and a return to winning ways.”

MacLeod leads Newcastle into action away at basement club Surrey on Sunday and Bristol on Monday.

Head coach MacLeod will continue to lead the Eagles through their remaining games of the 2021-22 BBL season. (Photo: Pat Gowdie)

“It is important now that we give all of our efforts to finish the BBL season as strongly as possible”, MacLeod added.

“I want to say big thank you to everyone at the club and the fans for all their support, to Paul Blake for the opportunity, all the players and staff who were part of the journey.

“Lastly thanks to my (growing) family for their unwavering support. As I often say to players, there is no finish line, ‘what’s next?’”