Matthew Mott has been appointed as the new head coach for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL). The move follows the departure of James Hopes, who has moved to Queensland. As a result of this transition, Mott will vacate his position as the club's WBBL head coach, with a replacement for the women's team expected to be announced later this week.
Mott, who served as an assistant with the BBL side last season, had been considered for a dual role overseeing both the men's and women's programs. However, the club ultimately determined that maintaining distinct head coaching roles was the best path forward to ensure long-term stability. Sydney Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes explained that with the potential for shifting schedules in the BBL and WBBL windows, separate leadership is necessary to ensure continuity for both teams.
Reflecting on his new appointment, Mott expressed excitement about joining the BBL program, noting his long-standing history with the Sixers family. He stated, "This is a club with a proud history and a winning culture, and I'm looking forward to building on the foundations that have been established over many seasons. Having worked closely with the men's program, I've seen first-hand the talent and potential within this playing group." While he acknowledged his disappointment in leaving the women's program, he expressed gratitude for his time with the team and offered his best wishes to Ash Gardner, the players, and the support staff for WBBL12.
Mott brings extensive experience to the role, having previously led the Australia women's team to back-to-back T20 World Cup titles and the 2022 ODI World Cup. He later served as the head coach of the England men's white-ball team, winning the 2022 T20 World Cup before his tenure ended following the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup. Currently, Matthew Mott remains involved in the sport as a T20 consultant at Lancashire and as the head coach for the Manchester Super Giants women's team in The Hundred, following his previous roles with the Sydney Sixers Women in the Women's Big Bash League.
Mott joined Sixers as WBBL head coach last year and consideration was given to him combining both the men's and women's jobs but the club decided it wanted to continue with distinct roles. The WBBL season currently runs from late October to early December with the BBL starting shortly afterwards and running to the end of January.
"While we considered Matthew's ability to lead both programs, we've taken a long-term view to ensure consistent and stable leadership across both teams. The strength of the candidate we have appointed as WBBL head coach gave us confidence that this was the right move for both programs, and we look forward to announcing that news in the coming days."
