'Feels like the right time': Trevor Bayliss to depart Sydney Thunder after dismal BBL campaign
Sydney Thunder coach Trevor Bayliss has confirmed he will leave the Big Bash franchise after a dismal season at the helm.
Bayliss, who has coached all over the world including with the England national side, took over the Thunder job in 2021 and spent five seasons in charge.
He took the side to the BBL|14 final where they lost to the Hobart Hurricanes, but the most recent season yielded just two wins as the Thunder finished last on the ladder.
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The 63-year-old and Thunder officials have since mutually agreed to part ways.
Trevor Bayliss. Getty
"Across my career I've never stayed anywhere much longer than four or five years. It feels like the right time for a fresh voice to lead the group forward," Bayliss said.
"Making the final last year was a great achievement. It was disappointing to fall just short but going that close showed how far the group had come. It was great to see the players stand up in big moments and win some tight games along the way.
"There have been plenty of proud moments, both from a team perspective and an individual one. Watching players perform at their best, particularly in the season we reached the final, was a privilege. Those are the things you remember as a coach.
"We've had fantastic support over the years. The crowds have really been behind us, especially in the past couple of seasons. So many fans turned up again this year, they'll no doubt be disappointed with our results from this past season but their backing has meant a lot to the playing group. You can't underestimate the role they play."
Thunder general manager and former Test bowler Trent Copeland paid tribute to the departing coach and believes the time was right to move in a new direction.
"TB's experience in winning World Cups, coaching different countries and IPL franchises has brought great influence on the Thunder playing group across the past five years, and the club is incredibly appreciative of everything he has helped build," Copeland said.
Trevor Bayliss chats with David Warner during his time as England coach. Getty
"Under TB's guidance, the team reached multiple finals campaigns, including a remarkable run to the final in BBL|14. This past season's results certainly didn't go to plan, but Trevor departs with our sincere thanks and best wishes for the future.
"We mutually agreed that now is the right time to look at how we can refresh and revitalise our high‑performance setup and search globally for a world class head coach to take us forward to not just success in BBL|16, but prolonged success into the future."
Bayliss led the Thunder to 24 victories during his five seasons with the team.
The past two years have been led by David Warner as captain, who sat near the top of the entire competition's run scorers in both seasons since retiring from Test cricket.
