Stead steps down as New Zealand head coach after overseeing the Kiwi’s most successful time in international cricket.
Stead steps down after seven-year tenure as New Zealand coach.
Following a seven-year career that featured a World Test Championship (WTC) title, three appearances in global limited-overs finals, and a historic 3-0 Test series victory in India, Gary Stead, the most successful national coach in New Zealand, will step down at the end of the month.
The 53-year-old Stead had previously resigned from his position as white-ball captain and had been given some time to think about his future with the Test team. However, it looks like New Zealand Cricket (NZC) will name a single coach for both forms, with Stead stepping down when his contract expires at the end of the month.
Since taking over from Mike Hesson in 2018, he has had a significant impact on cricket in New Zealand. In the 2019 ODI World Cup final, Stead led New Zealand to a devastating boundary countback defeat. Since winning the 2000 ICC Knockout (Champions Trophy), New Zealand has not won a world championship until defeating India in the 2021 WTC final. Under his leadership, New Zealand advanced to the 2021 T20 World Cup final, the 2025 Champions Trophy final, two additional 2022 T20 World Cup semi-finals, and the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
Last year, New Zealand became the first side to completely destroy India at home in a 3-0 Test series, which was Stead’s greatest accomplishment.
“There’s been some amazing memories over the past seven years based around a group of fantastic and talented people who have gone out to give their best for their country, each other and for the fans,” Stead said. “Brendon McCullum and Mike Hesson had left the team with strong values and a style of play, and I’ve just tried to build and shape that further to grow our ability to be consistent in everything we do.
“It’s been nice to be competitive across all three formats and I’d like to think that, regardless of results, the opposition know the Blackcaps are a team that won’t fold and will always show the grit and determination to compete.
“To work alongside some of New Zealand’s best cricketers and have had a ringside seat to every training and match has been very special and an absolute honour. For a country with five million people and limited resources, we comparatively perform outstandingly well against the other powerhouses of the game.
“I am grateful to all those that have helped and supported me during my time, especially to my wife Rachel and children Alex and Libby who have sacrificed much. I also want to pay special thanks to NZC, and in particular all of the support staff I have worked with who are hands-on with the team and in the thick of things day-in and day-out.
“I’d like to wish the new coach well and the team every success in the future.”