‘Stop the search’: McDonald says he’s the man for Bullets job

Darryl McDonald has largely toed the diplomatic line since taking over as Brisbane Bullets interim coach, but that restraint disappeared following the loss in Sydney, as he made it clear club management should give him the opportunity if they want sustained success.

Since the departure of Andrej Lemanis, who guided the Bullets through their first five seasons back in the NBL, the club has twice turned to American coaches. James Duncan and Stu Lash collectively lasted just 55 games in the role, highlighting the lack of continuity at the helm.

McDonald has now coached the past four games since replacing Lash, and after Tuesday night’s 25-point defeat to the in-form Sydney Kings, he left nothing unsaid.

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

"They don't need to get nobody else and we bring in these coaches from the States, but stop doing that and it hasn’t worked, so all we're doing is just overhauling people and overhauling people.

"You've got a coach, I'm right here and 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 you have to go get somebody, OK understandable, but the club needs stability and that's the one thing we haven’t had, we haven’t had that stability and no continuity."

In an interesting twist, McDonald revealed he has so far been unable to speak directly with Bullets chairman Jason Levien about the coaching position.

"I haven't spoken to Jason, I'm honestly trying to get on a call with him and you don't want me to start, but it's a tough situation," McDonald said.

"Mal told me and I called Mal the other day to ask him what's going on, and he said there's a contract on the table for a guy in the States and if he takes it, it won't be until next year and he won't come out now.

McDonald said he has been informed he will likely see out the remainder of the season, while the club continues its search.

"I'll most likely finish the year and he (Watts) told me to just continue doing what I'm doing and things may change, and I know they're trying to get somebody, but we've lost sponsors, we've lost members and we've lost fans."

Despite that uncertainty, McDonald remains adamant the solution is already in place.

"They think a big name is going to come in and change things, then if that's what they think then OK, but they've got somebody already in the seat and I can get it done if you give me the opportunity, and you give me what I want and don't make decisions.

"If you give me what I want, I'll win in this league and I know I can because I've been there and done that."