Mutual decision sees Bayliss exit after Thunder finish last in the Big Bash League season

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Sydney Thunder have confirmed that head coach Trevor Bayliss will depart the club following the conclusion of the latest Big Bash League season, with both parties agreeing not to renew his contract. The decision comes after Thunder finished at the bottom of the table, ending a tenure that delivered mixed results.

Bayliss, who famously coached England to victory in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, guided Thunder to three top-four finishes during his time in charge. The highlight of his spell came in the 2024–25 season, when Thunder reached the final against the Hobart Hurricanes. However, that success was bracketed by last-place finishes in both 2023–24 and the most recent campaign.

With his contract expiring, Bayliss acknowledged that the timing felt right for a change. He said a fresh voice would benefit the group and reflected positively on the progress made, particularly during the run to the BBL final, which he described as a proud and memorable achievement.

The announcement follows recent coaching upheaval across the league, with rivals Sydney Sixers also parting ways with long-serving coach Greg Shipperd, despite the Sixers reaching yet another BBL final. Shipperd is also set to leave his role as coach of New South Wales at season’s end.

Thunder general manager Trent Copeland paid tribute to Bayliss’ impact, thanking him for his professionalism and leadership. Copeland said the club’s post-season review concluded that now was the right moment to refresh the high-performance program and begin a global search for a world-class T20 head coach.

The move signals a new chapter for Sydney Thunder as they look to rebuild and target sustained success in upcoming Big Bash League seasons, starting with BBL|16 and beyond.