Darren Lehmann Appointed Northamptonshire Head Coach

Northamptonshire County Cricket Club are thrilled to announce that Darren Lehmann will join the Club as Head Coach on a 2-year contract from February 2025.

A two-time Ashes winner while Head Coach of Australia, Lehmann joins Northamptonshire with a wealth of experience at the very highest levels of the game.

“Northamptonshire has a great history in our game and I am looking forward to meeting the players and learning about the Club and its past and create our own history over the coming months and years,” Lehmann said.

“The selling point for me is a group that wants to get better and follow their and the Club’s dreams, create memories and play at the highest level possible.

“I will encourage this on and off the field, as well as open door policy. I’m sure we will have success and fun along the way.”

The 54-year-old had a highly successful coaching career with his country during his five-year spell, winning the Ashes twice and the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

Lehmann has also experienced various successful roles outside of international management, taking the Deccan Chargers to IPL victory in 2009, winning the Big Bash with Brisbane heat in 2012-13 and as Assistant Coach in 2023-24, and he also won the Sheffield Shield with Queensland in 2011-12.

Throughout his playing career, Lehmann performed at the highest level for many years and achieved many exceptional feats. The Australian has the most runs in Sheffield Shield history, with 13,635 runs and a high score of 301 not out. He also achieved international glory as he hit the winning runs in the 1999 World Cup Final at Lord’s.

With Lehmann joining in February 2025 after the Australian summer, he is keen to hit the ground running and build on what the coaches achieve over the winter.

“Pre-season will search for the high skill levels that the group possess, and the assistant coaches will drive this until I can get there after our summer.

“We have excellent coaches who want nothing more than for the players to succeed on and off the field.”

Northamptonshire CEO Ray Payne was delighted that someone of Lehmann’s calibre will be leading the Club over the next couple of years.

“I am delighted we have been able to secure a new head coach with the history, reputation, skills and knowledge that Darren possesses. It is a real marker in the ground and demonstrates once again, the clubs desire to achieve to its highest level on the field.

“From our first conversation with Darren it was clear to see his passion and excitement for the opportunity and his coaching philosophy is something that aligns well with the goals of the Club.

“With this appointment and David Ripley as Head Coach of Steelbacks Women, we believe we have strong leadership for both the Men’s and Women’s Northamptonshire teams and that will be the envy of others and well set for success.

“I wish Darren all the best in the role and know he will have the support of the whole club and all of the supporters as we strive for promotion back to Division One of the County Championship and success in both white ball competitions.”