Former Tigers head Tim Coyle returns to coaching in WBBL

TIM Coyle will lead the WBBL Melbourne Renegades for the next two seasons — his first head coaching position since standing down at the Tigers in 2013.

Former Tasmanian Tigers coach Tim Coyle will take on the top job with the WBBL Melbourne Renegades for the next two seasons. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

TIM  Coyle will lead the WBBL Melbourne Renegades for the next two seasons — his first head coaching position since standing down at the Tigers­ in 2013.

Coyle had spoken to consultant Mike Hussey and new Cricket Tasmania chief executive Nick Cummins as part of the high-performance internal review, but not about joining new coach Adam Griffith’s staff.

“I hope he [Griffith] does really­ well,” Coyle said.

“It is obviously a big challenge but at this stage I’ve got my role with the Australian cricket team [the Southern Stars] and the program with the Renegades to manage as well.

“I’ve said all along if they need help I’m there.”

Since his time at the Tigers, Coyle has worked closely with the women’s national team and at Cricket Australia as a wicketkeeping and fielding coach for the Centre for Excellence and the men’s senior team, but never in head coaching position.

However, he did not rule out returning to a top job somewhere.

“I’ve always said you never say never to any opportunity,” Coyle said.

“That’s what I do for a living, I’m a professional coach.

“It is seeing what’s available in different areas.

“Obviously I enjoyed my time as a head coach before and now I’ve got an opportunity to do it again.”

The 56-year-old who led Tasmania to two 50-over crowns and its only three first-class titles, worked with the Renegades as a consultant during WBBL02 and then on the team’s list management during the off-season before being offered the top job.

“I was quite impressed with the organisation and the team,” he said.

“There is a bit of potential there but they are young.

“They had a pretty reasonable year last year, but had improved on the year before.

“I’m looking forward to it, they are a very professional organisation­ and it is a good challenge.”