Justin Langer resignation letter revealed: Former Australia coach on why he walked away from the job

Resigned to the fact his stunning successes were not enough in the eyes of some players and the CA board, Justin Langer could have lashed out. Instead, he left the job with dignity.

Justin Langer left the Australian coaching job with class. Picture: Getty Images

Justin Langer told Cricket Australia that he was proud of what he achieved as Australian coach, but if senior players, some support staff and the board did not support him, he felt it necessary to walk away from the job.

The coach said media speculation about his future had taken an enormous toll on him and his family.

Langer flew home to Perth on Saturday to see his wife and daughters for the first time in six months and attempt to deal with the traumatic events that saw him quit the job he loved. But he gave The Australian exclusive access to his letter of resignation, so people would understand why he took the path he did.

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Justin Langer returns home in Perth. Picture: Getty Images

“Having been away from home since the first week of October, yesterday was a tumultuous day, and with quarantine restrictions now that I am back I am unable to do anything publicly at the moment, but I want people to know I am happy with my decision and proud of what I have achieved,” he said.

The resignation letter, emailed to Cricket Australia chiefs on Saturday morning, followed a meeting on Friday night with CA chief executive Nick Hockley, acting chair Richard Freudenstein and teams manager Ben Oliver.

Langer, who had sought an extension of his contract, was offered just six months so he could defend the T20 World Cup title, but was told he would not coach next summer.

The offer, which Cricket Australia says was made in order to sustain “unity”, has been denounced as a stunt by a lot of commentators, who believe it was designed to encourage his exit. Langer says that without the support of the board and with a public whispering campaign, it was time for him to go.

“There has been a great deal of media speculation on my future as the Australian men’s cricket coach over the last 12 months and this has taken an enormous toll on my family. I hope through this time, and throughout my tenure, I have held myself with integrity and dignity,” Langer wrote in the email.

Justin Langer joins Tim Paine as another key figure who helped lift Australia off its knees only to be discarded by Cricket Australia. Picture: Getty Images

“Last night I was offered a short-term contract until the end of the T20 World Cup in Australia, with the sentiment of ‘going out on a high’. After careful consideration I have decided not to accept this contract renewal, and as a result I believe it is in everyone’s best interests for the Australian cricket team to begin the next chapter immediately.

“If media reports are correct, several senior players and a couple of support staff don’t support me moving forward, and it is now apparent the CA board, and you Nick, are also keen to see the team move in another direction. I respect that decision.”

There were reports on Saturday that Langer had not informed CA of his decision before making it public, but the timing of the email shows this was not the case.

Langer’s methods were questioned by people and the issue came to a head last year in a meeting with team leaders where he was counselled to take a more hand’s off approach — which he did.

“My life has been built on values of honesty, respect, trust, truth, and performance and if that comes across as ‘too intense’ at times, I apologise,” he wrote.

Langer said he was proud of what he had achieved in the three and a half years since taking the job in the chaos following the sandpapergate scandal.

Justin Langer celebrates Ashes success with his squad. Picture: Getty Images

“It is said that in any venture, if you leave things in a better place than when you started then you have done your job,” he said.

“Whilst it is not up to me to judge, I hope Australians respect what has been achieved over the last four years in Australian cricket. From day one I believed it was possible to both win and play the game in the spirit that is now expected from our supporters.

“For the last four years it has been proven this can be achieved and I am very proud of the team for their efforts on and off the cricket field. I hope we have made Australians proud and earned respect from countries around the world.

“In terms of ‘going out on a high’, I am blessed to have been a part of a T20 World Cup-winning squad, an Ashes winning squad, watched the Test team rise to #1 ranked team in the world today, been selected as the Wisden Coach of the Year and been elevated to the Australian cricket Hall of Fame; all this in the last five months.

“I am grateful that today, I am going out on a high.

“Australian cricket means the world to me. It has since I was a kid, and I am grateful for the opportunity to play for, and coach our national team. I am thankful to the board for the opportunity, and I will take with me many cherished memories and friendships from the last four years.

“Hopefully a good job has been done and I wish the team every success for the future.”

Originally published as Justin Langer resignation letter revealed: Former Australia coach on why he walked away from the job