Paul Coughlin will leave Durham at the end of the summer and join Lancashire on a multi-year deal from 2026, bringing the 32-year-old all-rounder back to Division One – if the Red Rose can get there.
He was Durham-born, Durham-trained and, not that long ago, Durham-re-signed after an injury-hit stint at Nottinghamshire. Promotion in 2023 looked like the launchpad for a settled run, yet only five senior outings have followed this season. With his contract up, both parties have called time.
“I’m thrilled to be making the move to Lancashire,” Coughlin said. “It’s a club with a great history and big ambitions, and I’m really looking forward to getting started with a new chapter in my career.
“The chance to commit to Lancashire for the future and be part of what they’re looking to achieve here is something that I’m hugely excited about.
“I know Keaton Jennings and Michael Jones very well from our time at Durham together and it will be great to link-up with both again at Lancashire and meet the rest of the lads.”
Lancashire, for their part, could do with a dependable seamer-batter. Dale Benkenstein has gone, Jennings has handed over the four-day captaincy, and a patched-up Blast side bowed out at Finals Day before most supporters had found their seats. Coughlin’s arrival is therefore less headline signing, more steadying influence.
Director of cricket performance Mark Chilton welcomed the move. “We are delighted to have secured Paul’s services as we continue to strengthen our squad ahead of the 2026 season. This move represents an exciting new challenge for Paul, who has already demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level. We believe that a fresh environment will provide the platform for him to return to his very best.
“Paul’s all-round qualities will add significant depth and versatility across both red-ball and white-ball formats, and we look forward to welcoming him to Emirates Old Trafford in the winter.”
On paper Coughlin slots into Lancashire’s middle order, offering brisk right-arm pace and safe hands in the cordon. In practice he needs an uninterrupted run of cricket – something he has not enjoyed since his England Lions days. If body and form hold, the Red Rose should gain a reliable contributor; if not, it is another roll of the dice for a club still searching for stability.
