Jeff Vaughan to take reins for Tigers program as Adam Griffith moves into director of coaching role

After three years at the helm of the Tigers, Adam Griffith is handing control to assistant Jeff Vaughan as part of his plan to develop not only players but coaches for higher honours.

Adam Griffith is moving into a director of coaching position and Jeff Vaughan will take over head coaching duties for the Tigers. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

AN “evolution” of the coaching set-up within Cricket Tasmania’s men’s programs will put more focus onto Tigers players who don’t feature in the BBL.

The restructure, which was announced on Tuesday, will see Adam Griffith move into a director of coaching role but remain as coach of the Hurricanes, while Jeff Vaughan will step up as head coach of the one-day and Sheffield Shield teams.

Vaughan has relinquished his Big Bash role and will instead spend the tournament focusing on red-ball cricket.

Ben Rohrer has been appointed as a senior assistant, and former North Hobart coach Wade Townsend is now the Tigers batting coach.

Ben Rohrer will move into a senior assistant position with the Tigers. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

The reshuffle will allow Griffith, who returned to Tasmania three years ago after a stint as an assistant with Western Australia, to pursue opportunities outside Cricket Tasmania, but he was adamant it was a process that was always in the back of his mind when he first accepted the job.

“My plan three years ago was to put something in place like this before World Cups and IPL’s came along,” said Griffith, who spent time with the Australian camp at last year’s 50-over World Cup in England.

“I was really lucky in my time in West Australia as a young coach to be given plenty of opportunity to expand my coaching and learn, and that was something I wanted to do when I was here.

“Probably the opportunity to do some other things kick started it in reality, but it has been something I have been thinking about a while.”

Adam Griffith and Jeff Vaughan at work in the nets. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

Highly regarded as a batting coach, Vaughan said there wouldn’t be a major overhaul to the message that has been delivered for the past three years.

Vaughan last year assumed head coaching responsibilities for the Shield competition.

“It is an exciting time for me personally but I also think it is an exciting time for the program,” he said.

“Both Adam and I have spent a lot of time over the last three years working together on the program and we feel it is time for the evolution.

“A lot of that will remain the same and the players won’t see a lot of change, it is just a bit of a restructure.”