Stephen Fleming steps down as Melbourne Stars coach

His decision follows fellow former New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori opting not to renew his contract with Brisbane Heat, leaving two head coach roles to be filled before the new season starts

Former New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming stepped down as Melbourne Stars head coach on Wednesday. The franchise announced that despite leading his team into the finals, he hasn’t wished to extend his contract.

He has quit after four seasons in charge, having witnessed his team implode to city rivals the Renegades in this year's Big Bash League final. Fleming said it was time for a change.

“I feel the time is right for me to step down and allow someone else to take the reins and the club forward,” he said in a statement late Wednesday.

“The club is in very good shape having rebounded from last in BBL 07 to grand finalist this season,” he added.

NEWS | Head Coach, Stephen Fleming, has advised the Board that he won’t be seeking an extension to his contract.

We would like to thank Flem for his contribution to the Club over the past four seasons! 💚💚

— Melbourne Stars (@StarsBBL) March 19, 2019

His decision follows fellow former New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori opting not to renew his contract with Brisbane Heat, leaving two head coach roles to be filled before the new season starts.

Stars president Eddie McGuire said Fleming had been “a wonderful servant”.

“He has left a large footprint on the club which we will be forever grateful for,” he added.

Glenn Maxwell-led Stars looked on course to win the all-Melbourne BBL final last month. Chasing 146 to win against Aaron Finch's Renegades, they were 93 without loss and cruising before losing an incredible seven wickets for 19 runs to slump to a 13-run defeat.