Big Bash: Darren Lehmann steps down as Brisbane Heat coach

Just a week after the explosive Chris Lynn stepped down as Brisbane Heat captain, coach Darren Lehmann has made a shock call on his own future.

Darren Lehmann has made the shock decision to relinquish head coaching duties at the Brisbane Heat in a move partially designed to boost Wade Seccombe’s chances of coaching Australia.

Seccombe, who coached Queensland to last summer’s Sheffield Shield title, will coach the Heat with Lehmann reverting to an assistant’s role.

Lehmann was recently reappointed to the Heat for another year but, upon reflection, felt it was more appropriate to be part of a support structure to Seccombe as well as protecting his own health.

“I said when I re-signed that overall, I really enjoyed the season we had and that hasn’t changed,’’ he said.

“But I have also had a chance to reflect on what is going to be best for me and my family going forward.

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Darren Lehmann has stood aside as Brisbane Heat coach in order to help further Wade Seccombe’s career. Picture: AAP Image/Richard Wainwright

“Having a heart attack reinforced how special my family is to me, and I have the chance now to continue to enjoy coaching but also to spread some of the workload and pressure that omes with the job.

“There’s tons of experience in our coaching team with ‘Hopesy’, ‘Bic’ and ‘Chuck’, and I am looking forward to working with them and the playing group on the challenges to come this season.”

Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson endorsed Lehmann’s decision.

“Darren came to us with some thoughts on how the Heat could develop further, and one of the things we talked through was that there was a chance for us to expand our coaching depth and focus to better prepare our players for a role in the T20 format,’’ Svenson said.

Wade Seccombe will take over as Brisbane Heat coach this season. Picture: AAP

“The change in responsibility was Darren’s initiative and we’re supportive of that. He was keen to play a role to ensure Wade was best positioned to have the right experience to take on

the national coaching role in the future”

“We think Wade is a future coach for Australia and we want to make sure that he’s given every opportunity. Putting together a Queensland coaching ‘dream team’ like this has plenty of upside for everyone,” he said.

James Hopes and Andy Bichel have been appointed Queensland Bulls Batting and Bowling coaching specialists.

Australian coach Justin Langer is contracted until the end of next season’s Ashes but his future beyond that is uncertain.

Lynn steps down as Brisbane Heat captain

Dynamic batsman Chris Lynn has stepped down as captain of the Brisbane Heat.

Lynn, who led the team for three summers, will concentrate on his batting in a decision he has been mulling over for some time.

“It has been a huge honour to skipper the Heat for the last three years and I am very grateful for all the backing and support from the players, coaching and backroom staff and the loyal Heat fans and sponsors,’’ Lynn said.

“I am very proud to have led the boys and I have really enjoyed my time as captain. I have thought long and hard about my decision, and I think it is the right time for someone else to take over the reins and keep building with this talented group of players.”

Chris Lynn will step down as Brisbane Heat captain. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

“The group are in a really good space after last season’s BBL, and I think this is the best way forward for the club and for me as a player and I am confident the Heat can build on last year’s successful campaign”.

The Heat have not announced the new skipper with keeper Jimmy Peirson a contender after displaying exceptional form last summer.

Marnus Labuschagne is a contender but international duties may mean he misses the majority of the tournament.

Lynn was Brisbane’s leading scorer last season, with 458 runs despite missing five games due to injury.

The Heat finished one match away from the final last season after a late surge.

QC CEO Terry Svenson praised Lynn for his “selfless’’ decision.

“Something like this is never a simple or comfortable process, and Chris certainly has our full support for the decision he has reached,’’ he said.

“We certainly respect his choice, and the reasoning behind it. He hasn’t rushed things and has consulted with key people in his life to make this call.

“Having spoken at length with him, I am very confident that he and Heat will both benefit from his decision and we certainly look forward to him bringing his experience and undoubted batting prowess to bear on the BBL11 season and beyond.”

“A decision on the Heat’s on-field leadership for BBL11 will follow in due course as we get closer to the season,’’ Svenson said.