Final run: Roth reveals the hard expiration date of his iconic Jackies era

Scott Roth has made a final decision on his future at the Tasmania JackJumpers, and it comes with a strict expiration date.

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The 63-year-old will defend the island for two more years after signing a contract extension that will see him remain at the club until the end of the NBL29 season.

Tasmania JackJumpers' inaugural head coach has signed a two-year contract extension. File picture

But behind the scenes, the American turned Tasmanian has made it clear this is the final chapter of his Jackies era.

"I talk a lot about time-wealth, and I don't have a lot of it left in my lifetime," Roth said.

"How I use time, I have to be smart about it, and two years is about as much as I have left to give.

"I don't have a to-do-list for this final stretch, I think it's more about continuity, holding the standards, and giving the club a longer runway to consider who they're looking at next."

Appointed in 2021 as the inaugural head coach ahead of the team's debut NBL22 season, Roth has built the JackJumpers from the ground up, winning a championship in the third year of the club's existence.

For Roth, the contract extension was about honouring the deep connection forged between his family and the community over the past five years.

"The biggest thing for me is the people of Tasmania," Roth said.

"That's the driving force, the impact Tasmanians have on my family, on my life. They've been so gracious in welcoming us, I'm grateful and humbled, and hungry for the next two years.

I don't have a to-do-list for this final stretch, I think it's more about continuity, holding the standards, and giving the club a longer runway to consider who they're looking at next.

Roth noted how the JackJumpers' success has given Tasmanians a noticeable sense of pride and confidence.

"The community, every Tasmanian, has really backed us and believed in us," he said.

"That pride and belief in our team gave Tasmanians a real pride and belief in themselves too.

"I think we've also raised the bar and paved the way for others like the AFL to build a team here with confidence, it can happen and should happen on this island."

JackJumpers chair Steve Old insists the club's finest moments are still ahead for both the team and the state.

"Scott didn't just coach a basketball team - he helped build a club, a culture and something that Tasmania has truly made its own," Old said.

"Scott understands Tasmania, Tasmania understands Scott - and it's a pretty special combination.

"We've achieved some incredible things together, but neither Scott nor this club is interested in looking backwards. We genuinely believe the best chapters of the JackJumpers story are still to be written.

"This is an exciting day for the club, but more importantly, an exciting day for Tasmania."

The JackJumpers will tip-off their NBL 2026-27 campaign against the South East Melbourne Phoenix at MyState Bank Arena. The match is scheduled to begin at 7.30pm.

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