Tasmania enjoyed many victories during Coyle’s tenure as head coach
Tasmania head coach Tim Coyle has announced that he will be stepping down at the end of this season, ending his seven-year tenure with the Australian domestic side.
Coyle became Tasmania’s head coach in 2005 after the departure of Brian McFadyen and in the 2006-2007 season, he led the state to their first Pura Cup and Sheffield Shield title after they beat New South Wales in the final at Hobart.
Tasmania also won the Sheffield Shield in the 2010-2011 season and under the leadership of Coyle, they also won the one-day tournament in 2007-2008 and in 2009-2010.
The 52-year-old, whose contract ends at the end of the season, stated that he felt it was time to move on and let the state find a new coach.
“I feel that the time is right for the Tigers to have a new voice and for me to finish up as head coach,” Coyle said. “It’s been a fantastic ride, and once the season finishes it is time for me to have some time away from the game and spend some more time with my family and friends.”
Cricket Tasmania chairman Tony Harrison noted that Coyle had an outstanding record as head coach and added that his leadership abilities made him one of the best coaches and mentors the state side has ever had.
“Tim is passionate about what he believes in and much of that passion is for Cricket Tasmania, his teams and cricket in Tasmania, however we understand the time is now right for him to spend more time with his family and have a break,” Harrison said. “Tim has nurtured many talented Tasmanian and interstate player from the junior ranks through to national representation and can be justifiably proud of these achievements along with the sustained success of the Tasmanian Tigers.
“Without doubt, Tim Coyle is the most successful current coach in Australian cricket and his contribution to our Association, State and players cannot be over-estimated. The current strength of Tasmanian cricket owes much to Tim Coyle and the culture he has developed and fostered, and we will do all we can to ensure that he remains part of our structure in the future.”
Harrison also stated that he has already started searching for a suitable candidate to replace Coyle.