Gary Stead Bids Farewell as New Zealand Coach After a Seven-Year Run

Gary Stead’s time as head coach of the New Zealand men’s cricket team is coming to a close. The 53-year-old will step away at the end of June when his contract expires, bringing the curtain down on a memorable seven-year stint that helped shape one of the most consistent and admired teams in world cricket.

Stead had already stepped aside from his role as white-ball coach, but was keen to stay on in charge of the Test side. However, with New Zealand Cricket opting to go with one coach across all three formats, Stead’s chapter with the Black Caps is officially ending. And what a chapter it’s been. 

Gary Stead's Legacy with the Black Caps

Appointed in 2018 following Mike Hesson’s departure, the former top-order batter took the reins and quickly stamped his mark. Under his leadership, the Black Caps lifted the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021, became the top-ranked Test team, and recorded a historic 3-0 series whitewash over India away from home — a feat very few visiting sides have managed. New Zealand also made deep runs in ICC events throughout Stead’s tenure — reaching the final of the 2019 ODI World Cup in England, the 2021 T20 World Cup final, and most recently, the 2025 Champions Trophy decider. The side also topped the ODI rankings and reached the semi-finals in two other white-ball World Cups. 

Reflecting on his journey, Stead sounded both proud and grateful. “There’s been some amazing memories over the past seven years based around a group of fantastic and talented people who have gone out to give their best for their country, each other and for the fans,” he said. 

Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson, who’s been at the heart of many of those successes, paid a heartfelt tribute. “Steady gave absolutely everything to the team. There was no one more hardworking and passionate about seeing the Black Caps grow and succeed. He was always thorough in his planning and preparation and will go down as one of our best coaches, but an even better bloke.” 

Now that his tenure with New Zealand is coming to an end, Stead stated that he isn’t done with the game just yet. While he plans to take a short break, he made it clear that coaching remains in his blood. “I’ll initially take some time to refresh and recharge, but I still have the coaching bug and will look to explore opportunities at home and abroad where I can look to share what I’ve learned from my 30 years of professional sport as a player and coach.” 

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