Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann steps away from Queensland to join commentary box

Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann has stepped away from his post with Queensland, after approaching his bosses last week to say he wanted his career to head in a shock new direction.

Darren Lehmann has ended his Queensland coaching career to become a radio commentator.

The former Australian coach had a year to run on his contract as an assistant coach with the Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat but will move into a major commentary role with ABC Sport this summer.

The move came after Lehmann narrowly missed out on head coaching roles in the Big Bash to Tim Paine (Adelaide Strikers) and Cameron White (Melbourne Renegades) and may represent the end of Lehmann’s head coaching career.

The ABC will have an expanded commentary team this season as it has added the Big Bash to its summer schedule.

Lehmann launched his domestic coaching career with Queensland in 2010 when he guided the Bulls in the original Big Bash.

Darren Lehmann has stepped away from his role with Queensland despite having a year to run on his contract. Picture: Getty

His early title wins with the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash and Queensland Bulls’ Sheffield Shield team were a key factor in him being appointed Australian coach in 2013.

“I’ve had a great time over the journey with so many fond memories from that time,’’ Lehmann said of his stint with the Bulls and Heat.

Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson said the Bulls Big Bash win last summer was an appropriate way to farewell Lehmann after his “positive and proactive’’ impact on cricket in the state.

Queensland is yet to name a replacement for Lehmann but the new coach is likely to have a strong white ball pedigree.

Originally published as Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann steps away from Queensland to join commentary box