BBL: Brisbane part ways with coach Daniel Vettori, look to local legends as replacements

After punting New Zealand mentor Daniel Vettori, despite remarkably still being in finals contention in BBL08, the Brisbane Heat are turning to one of their greats as a bolter to fix things.

Daniel Vettori won’t return as Brisbane Heat coach next year. Picture: Jono Searle

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Queensland legend James Hopes is a frontrunner to coach the Brisbane Heat following the departure of New Zealand mentor Dan Vettori.

The Heat on Saturday confirmed Vettori would not seek a contract extension to remain at the Big Bash League franchise following a rollercoaster summer.

As revealed by The Courier-Mail a fortnight ago, Vettori was a dead man walking after the Heat announced a sweeping review into their lacklustre performances.

Daniel Vettori won’t return as Brisbane Heat coach next year. Picture: Jono Searle

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The former New Zealand international spinner oversaw just 18 wins from 49 games in charge of the Heat since 2015.

The Heat made a shocking start to BBL08, losing their first five homes games in Queensland to sit in wooden spoon contention.

While they made a late charge to the finals with three straight wins, including Friday’s record-breaking 10-wicket defeat of the Stars at the Gabba, Vettori’s fate was already decided.

“After careful consideration over the past few weeks, I have decided not to seek a contract renewal as head coach of the Brisbane Heat,” Vettori said.

“I informed the general manager (Andrew McShea) of my decision prior to the game against Melbourne Stars at the MCG (January 27) and that was accepted by the club.

“I have loved my time at Brisbane, firstly as a player and then as coach, and the experience of being part of the growth of the BBL has been personally rewarding.

“There is some exceptional talent within that group and I hope they have every opportunity to realise their ability and potential in the future.”

James Hopes gave Heat fans plenty of memories on the field. Picture Gregg Porteous

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Queensland Cricket powerbrokers are considering whether to appoint a state-based coach to the BBL franchise rather than a “fly-in, fly-out” coach like Vettori was.

Former Bulls wicketkeeper Wade Seccombe is head coach of the Sheffield Shield and 50-over teams, but Hopes is a bolter in the pack.

The former all-rounder is well respected in the Queensland setup and was the Heat’s captain when they won the BBL championship in 2012-13.

Hopes, 40, is currently on the Bulls and Heat coaching staff and giving him the Heat duties would alleviate the pressure of one coach overseeing all three forms.

Queensland cricket coach Wade Seccombe is another contender.

Queensland Cricket high performance manager Brett Jones said the Heat would review its coaching structure.

“We’re always seeking the optimal model for our high-performance coaching system and that encompasses all of the teams that Queensland Cricket prepare each season,’’ he said.

Heat skipper Chris Lynn has publically pushed for retiring Kiwi superstar and fellow “Bash Brother” Brendon McCullum to return to the franchise in a coaching capacity.

It is unlikely McCullum will be appointed head coach in his first season since playing, but he is a strong chance of joining the Heat’s staff.

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Originally published as BBL: Brisbane part ways with coach Daniel Vettori, look to local legends as replacements