Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers Both Seek New Head Coaches

Both Sydney BBL clubs are in the market for new head coaches following the departures of Trevor Bayliss from the Sydney Thunder and Greg Shipperd from the Sydney Sixers. The moves signal a period of transition for both franchises as they prepare for the BBL|16 season.

Trevor Bayliss Departs Sydney Thunder

The Sydney Thunder and Trevor Bayliss have mutually agreed to part ways after five seasons, with Bayliss’ contract expiring. Bayliss, who led England to the 2019 ODI World Cup title, experienced a mixed tenure with the Thunder. The team reached the top four in three seasons, including a finalist appearance against the Hobart Hurricanes in the 2024-25 season. However, they finished last in both the 2023-24 and 2025-26 seasons ESPN.

“Across my career I’ve never stayed anywhere much longer than four or five years,” Bayliss said in a statement. “It feels like the right time for a fresh voice to lead the group forward.” ESPN

Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland expressed the club’s appreciation for Bayliss’ contributions, stating the team will now focus on finding a “world-class T20 head coach” to usher in an era of “prolonged success.” cricket.com.au

Greg Shipperd Too Moves On

The departure of Bayliss comes shortly after the Sydney Sixers parted ways with Greg Shipperd, despite him guiding the team to the final this season – his seventh BBL decider, resulting in two titles. Shipperd will also conclude his role as New South Wales coach at the end of the current season, despite having a year remaining on his contract. ESPN

While Shipperd expressed disappointment, Bayliss indicated he felt it was time for a change at the Thunder. ESPN

Search for New Leadership

Both clubs are now undertaking a global search for new head coaches for the BBL|16 season. The Thunder are looking to “refresh and revitalise” their high-performance setup, while the Sixers aim to build on their history of success. cricket.com.au