Gary Stead Makes Surprise Return to NZC as High-Performance Coach

The board announced on Friday that former BlackCaps head coach Gary Stead has returned to New Zealand Cricket (NZC) in a new role as a high-performance coach. Stead's responsibilities will include “supporting player and coach development, as well as high-performance programmes," per a NZC release.

Stead concluded his eight-year tenure as head coach of New Zealand earlier this year. He led the Kiwis to victory against India in the 2019–21 World Test Championship final. Last year, he also managed the team's historic away victory of 3-0 over India. In addition to all of this, Stead played a key role in a team that advanced to the Champions Trophy 2025, the T20 World Cup 2021, and the World Cup 2019 final.

Gary Stead's New Role:

Gary Stead has rejoined New Zealand Cricket as high-performance coach, just over three months after he had stepped down as the national men's head coach https://t.co/NnkJGk8Fpdpic.twitter.com/eehzdiqDuV

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 26, 2025

Less than four months have passed since Stead's tremendously successful time as head coach of the New Zealand men's team from 2018 to 2025 ended in June. He guided the side to three significant limited-overs cricket finals during that time: the 2021 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy, and the 2019 ODI World Cup. Additionally, he led New Zealand to triumph over India in the first-ever World Test Championship final (2019–2021).

Cricbuzz quotes Stead saying, "New Zealand cricket's very much been at my heart for the past 30-odd years, and to be able to keep contributing to the game I love is really special. I'm still passionate about coaching and trying to help people learn and improve. If I can pass on some of my skills and experiences to the wider cricket network and, in turn, help the Black Caps and White Ferns win on the world stage - then that would be really satisfying."

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