Well known as former coach of the MUN Seahawks, Partridge knows “the kind of talent and the kind of people it takes to succeed.”
By Nicholas Mercer
Published Dec 04, 2025
When it came time for Newfoundland Rogues owner Tony Kenny to start the search for a new head coach, he didn’t have to look very far to find his man.
On Dec. 3, Kenny announced that the team was hiring Doug Partridge, a well-known name in Newfoundland and Labrador basketball circles, to be the third head coach in the Rogues’ history.
“He’s probably one of the most technically sound minds when it comes to basketball in all of Canada, and his record and his past results speak for themselves,” said Kenny.
Partridge steps into the role a year after Reece Gaines guided the team to a 19-17 record. Before him, Jerry Williams coached the team for three seasons.
When he assumes the position, Partridge will be the first Canadian to serve as the Rogues’ head coach.
“I’d like to start by thanking Mr. Kenny and the ownership group for the Rogues for giving me this opportunity,” said Partridge. “I’m very excited I’ll be coming back to Newfoundland.”
A NEWFOUNDLAND RETURN
For Partridge, taking the Rogues gig will be a return of sorts for him and his family.
Before leaving the province last year, once he retired from his position as technical director with the NLBA, he had spent 33 years both living in St. John’s and being a part of its basketball community.
He was a longtime head coach of the Memorial University women’s basketball team for more than two decades. During that time, Partridge helped lead the Sea-Hawks to seven AUS titles and was an eight-time coach of the year. He also won the Canadian collegiate coach of the year in 2003.
His two children were born in the province, so they’re excited to get back.
“That opportunity to return to my roots and to continue what has turned into a lifelong dedication to Newfoundland basketball, really, at every level, university, club, minor, school and now professional, I feel well equipped to take on this task,” said Partridge.
A NEW DIVISION
Partridge steps into the head coaching role with the Rogues, and the team makes its move back to the Basketball League (TBL) from the Basketball Super League (BSL).
They’ll play 38 games — 24 at the Mary Brown’s Centre — with a schedule that will feature a mix of TBL and BSL teams.
With this move, the team will take part in an Atlantic Canadian division with three other teams from the region — and two more on the way — which should help create rivalries and some excitement amongst fans.
On top of that, Kenny said it’ll help cut down on travel costs for the team.
“We’ll be reaching out to the fans and the corporate sponsors in the coming weeks, and hopefully they will see the journey that the Rogues basketball organization is taking, and they will want to come out and support this,” said Kenny.
BUILDING A COMMUNITY
When Kenny sat back and examined the vision he had for his new head coach, a part of that vision involved the community and creating a strong space with the Rogues.
Of course, basketball acumen was paramount, but the community piece was an important one for the Rogues owner.
With Partridge, Kenny feels like he’s got the best of both worlds. Not only has he coached at the highest levels, but in his former role as the technical director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Basketball Association, Partridge is familiar with the local basketball community.
“(Partridge) is someone that totally knows basketball, and he also understands the importance of the community,” he said. “He’s known within the community, and, of course, also technically sound when it comes to basketball.
“We’re asking a lot, but I think we have the right guy now to do it.”
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE AN ASSET
This season, the Rogues are going to take a more active approach in dotting their roster with local talent.
It’s something Partridge has experience with after helping the TBL’s Halifax Hoopers as their lead assistant coach last season.
“I feel like I’m acquainted with the kind of talent and the kind of people it takes to succeed,” he said.
On that team, they prioritized local players and ended up with four from Halifax on the team.
Not only were the Hoopers able to have success in the stands, but they were very successful on the court.
“I think we’re looking at a similar kind of situation here, where we’re trying to add in a little bit more local flavour, and some players who can compete and play, you know, legitimately perform in this league, and we’re excited about that,” said Partridge.
THE PROCESS
When it comes to trying to identify and add more local players to the roster, Partridge sees it coming in a couple of different ways.
There could be a tryout like there was last year; however, he anticipates adding some extra local names to the Rogues’ training camp roster in late January.
The team already has its eyes on a handful of local players that they hope can help the team.
“I think we’re looking at a similar kind of situation here, where we’re trying to add in a little bit more local flavor, and some players who can compete and play, you know, legitimately perform in this league, and we’re excited about that,” said Partridge.
“So it’s kind of where I am. I’m really thankful for this opportunity, and I’m excited to get started.”
The Rogues are scheduled to start their season on Feb. 6 when they welcome the BSL’s Montreal Tundra for a two-game series at the Mary Brown’s Centre.