Mike Hesson Steps Down As New Zealand Head Coach

New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson, on Thursday (May 7), announced that he will step down from his post at the end of July. Hesson said he is ending his six-year association with the team in order to spend more time with his young family.

“This job requires 100 percent commitment and is all consuming,” said the 43-year-old. “I know what’s required over the next 12 months. But if I’m honest, I don’t feel I have the capacity to give the job what it deserves.

“New Zealand Cricket, in particular (chief executive) David White and the board, have given me incredible support, including flexibility and options. But the idea of missing a match, a tour or a format, as has been proposed at different times, has never sat well with me,” he added.

He further acknowledged the contributions of his loved ones during his time as Black Caps coach. He also thanked the players and his fellow staffs.

“I couldn’t let this opportunity pass without acknowledging my wife Kate and our daughters Holly and Charlie, who have sacrificed so much for me over the past six years.

“And I just want to place on record my gratitude to all the players and support staff. I love the team and have great hopes about what they will be able to achieve. I’ll always be a supporter,” he said.

Hesson, who took up coaching at the young age of 22 in Otago, replaced John Wright in 2012. Regarded by Brendon McCullum as the Black Caps’ greatest ever mentor, Hesson enjoyed a highly successful stint. His finest moment came in 2015 when he led the country to its first-ever World Cup final.

Under his guidance, New Zealand rose to the pinnacle of T20I rankings, number 2 in ODIs and number 3 in Tests. In April this year, New Zealand won their first-ever Test series over England since 1999. Overall, New Zealand won 21 of their 53 Tests, losing 19 under Hesson. In ODIs, they won 65 of their 119 ODIs with 46 losses and in T20Is won 30 of their 59.

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson hailed the outgoing coach, lauding him for always putting the team in front.

“Mike exemplified the “team-first” attitude he himself talked about. And left no stone unturned in terms of leading the side to success,” said Williamson.

“I’ve witnessed his work-ethic first-hand and have seen the sacrifices he’s made. I can only say I have the utmost respect for what he’s achieved,” he added.

New Zealand legend and former skipper McCullum also paid his tribute to Hesson. McCullum described Hesson as the best coach the country has ever had.

“We remember the 2015 World Cup as a great time for New Zealand. And Mike should be recognised for the huge part he played in that,” said McCullum.

“His meticulous planning and eye for detail gave us our best chance of success. He can be proud of what he helped the team achieve.

“Personally, I regard him as the best coach the Black Caps have ever had,” he added.

Hesson’s contract with New Zealand had been due to expire at the end of next year’s ODI World Cup. New Zealand Cricket’s chief executive David White said that while he had tried to persuade Hesson to see his contract through, he understood the 43-year-old’s decision. He also said that New Zealand would start the search for Hesson’s replacement soon.

“The recruitment process will commence shortly,” said White. “We have a resourceful and well-respected captain; the leadership team within the squad is strong, and the support staff is very experienced.

“We think it’s important the successful candidate or candidates complement(s) the existing environment.” 

New Zealand’s next international assignment is slated for October against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.