Brisbane Heat thanks Boof | Coach switches to comms box

Lehmann, who was an assistant coach to the Brisbane Heat and Queensland Bulls last summer, resigned this week from the State coaching staff to join the ABC Sport cricket commentary team for the coming season.

Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson congratulated Lehmann on his lengthy and successful career with the State’s elite teams.

“Throughout his long involvement with us, whether as a team coach with the Bulls and the Heat, or assisting individual players with their development, Darren has been a positive and proactive influence on cricket in the State,’’ he said.

Being part of the group that won the BBL last summer is a fitting way to farewell him, and while we were looking forward to having him with us again this summer, we wish him every success in the commentary box with ABC Sport,’’ Svenson said.

Lehmann said he had enjoyed his coaching time with Queensland and the Heat and was grateful for the opportunity to embark on a new direction this season.

“I’ve had a great time over the journey, with so many fond memories from that time,’’ he said.

“I wish nothing but the best for the future for all at QC and the Heat and thank each and every member of staff and the playing group for making my time at QC so enjoyable and fulfilling,’’ Lehmann said.

Lehmann started his domestic coaching career with Queensland in 2010, initially coaching the Bulls in the original Big Bash, before taking over full-time from Trevor Barsby later that season.

He was then named as the Brisbane’s Heat’s foundation coach for the inaugural year of the KFC Big Bash League in 2011-12, the same season that Queensland won the Sheffield Shield.

In 2012-13, he took the Heat to the BBL title in just its second season, defeating the Perth Scorchers in Perth.

Lehmann managed the dual roles of Bulls and Heat coach until he was approached by Cricket Australia to take over as national coach on the eve of the 2013 Ashes series.

It was a role he filled with success until 2018, including a 5-0 Ashes whitewash in 2013-14 and World Cup victory in 2015.

Lehmann returned as head coach of the Heat in 2019, before stepping back to an assistant’s role in 2021, a position he filled through until earlier this year when the Heat won their second BBL title.

Queensland Cricket will announce a replacement for Lehmann in due course to work alongside head coach Johan Botha and assistant coach Andy Bichel.

ABC Sport will extend its existing coverage of International and domestic cricket to include the BBL this summer, after previously covering the WBBL.