Simon Helmot Steps Down as Melbourne Renegades Coach
Melbourne Renegades coach Simon Helmot has made the decision to step down from his role after five years at the helm of the T20 franchise. Helmot, who led the women’s team to their first-ever WBBL title in 2024, has left the position to pursue a new opportunity. His departure marks another significant change in Australian cricket, with the Renegades expressing their full support for his next chapter.
Helmot took charge of the Renegades in 2021 and quickly made an impact, guiding the team to a second-place finish in his first season. However, it was in 2024 that he achieved his most notable success, leading the team to victory in the WBBL final against the Brisbane Heat. This historic win marked the first WBBL trophy in the franchise’s history and solidified Helmot’s legacy with the club.
“Simon has been an extraordinary Renegades person for a long time, and someone who has given so much to our club,” said James Rosengarten, the Renegades General Manager. “He’s not only delivered success on the field but has had a profound impact on the people and the environment around him.”
Helmot’s leadership extended beyond just the playing field. He built strong relationships with players, staff, and fans, creating a positive and supportive environment that contributed to the club’s growth. His ability to connect with others and his dedication to his work have left a lasting impression on the Victorian cricket community.
Currently, Helmot is working in India as an assistant coach under Daniel Vettori with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. The men’s Test skipper Pat Cummins is also part of the team. Despite this new role, Helmot and the Renegades have decided to part ways, with both sides agreeing that this was the right decision for the future of the franchise.
Three T20 Franchises Seeking New Coaches
Helmot’s departure adds to a growing list of coaching vacancies in Australian T20 cricket. With three franchises now looking for new head coaches, the landscape of the Big Bash League (BBL) is set for significant changes.
The Sydney Sixers and Adelaide Thunder are among the teams searching for new leaders, following the recent departures of Greg Shipperd and Trevor Bayliss, respectively. Shipperd, who guided the Sixers to the BBL final this year, was controversially removed from his position despite his success. Meanwhile, Bayliss stepped down after five years at the helm of the Thunder.
Cricket NSW recently appointed Brad Haddin as the new coach for the Blues’ One-Day Cup and Sheffield Shield teams, but he will not take over the Sixers or Thunder in the BBL. This means that both the Sixers and Thunder are still in need of a new head coach.
Several names have been linked to the Sixers’ vacancy, including former Australian women’s coach Matthew Mott and white-ball allrounder James Hopes. For the Thunder, potential candidates include Shane Watson and Dan Christian, both of whom have extensive experience in T20 cricket.
As the search for new coaches continues, the focus remains on finding individuals who can build on the success of previous seasons and lead their respective teams to future victories. With the upcoming BBL season approaching, the need for strong leadership has never been more critical.
