Jordi Fernández has stepped down as coach of the Canadian men’s basketball team, Canada Basketball announced Thursday.

“After several summers away, I feel the need to prioritize finding balance with my family,” said Fernández, who is in his first season coaching the Brooklyn Nets. “I also believe it is my responsibility to spend the offseason with the players and coaches here in Brooklyn. We have a young, developing team, and these next few summers will play an important role in the continued growth of both our team and culture.”

Fernández’s departure leaves a hole at the top of one of the more talented rosters on the international stage, which includes NBA stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, RJ Barrett and Dillon Brooks. Canada qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics after capturing a bronze medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. It marked Canada men’s basketball’s first medal won in a World Cup and the team’s return to the Olympics since 2000.

In the Olympics, Canada went undefeated in pool play before facing France in a quarterfinals matchup. France won 82-73 and eventually claimed the silver medal after losing to Team USA in the final.

Fernández took over as Canada’s top man in the summer of 2023 when Nick Nurse left the position after being named coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.

“On behalf of Canada Basketball, I want to sincerely thank Jordi and his family for their dedication and commitment to our program,” said Rowan Barrett, general manager and executive vice president of the senior men’s basketball program. “He stepped in to lead our program at a pivotal time and his impact on our team and Canadian basketball as a whole has been profound. We are grateful for the winning foundation he helped build as we look ahead to the LA 2028 Olympics and beyond.”

(Photo: Jesse D. Garrabrant / NBAE via Getty Images)