Shane Watson’s time in charge of the San Francisco Unicorns is over, the Major League Cricket side confirming the former Australia all-rounder will not return for a fourth season.
The club is yet to name a replacement, but did outline the direction of travel. In a brief statement the Unicorns said: “In an effort to strengthen the Unicorns’ long-term strategy, the organization is shifting to a year-round coaching model. Watson’s ongoing commentary commitments and the rapid growth of his acclaimed performance coaching brand, BEON Performance, prevent him from taking on a full-time role with the Unicorns.”
Those commitments have grown steadily since Watson first took the reins in 2023. Results, meanwhile, have nudged upwards: fifth out of six in the inaugural campaign, then play-off berths in 2024 and 2025. The high-water mark remains the 2024 final, lost to Washington Freedom.
“It has been a true privilege to lead the San Francisco Unicorns over the last three seasons,” Watson said. “I’m proud of what we accomplished, and am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with world-class stars and incredible young talent in Major League Cricket, which continues to be an exciting new frontier for the sport.”
Watson has never been shy of coaching work elsewhere. He assisted Delhi Capitals in the IPL across 2022 and 2023 and took charge of Quetta Gladiators in the 2024 Pakistan Super League. Balancing that diary with a new, 12-month commitment on the US west coast would always be tricky.
“Shane was the natural choice to be our first Head Coach, and he played a key role in building the Unicorns from the ground up,” chief executive David White noted. “We are eternally grateful for Shane’s dedication across his three seasons in charge, and the Unicorns wish him every success in his future endeavors.”
For now, the Unicorns must identify who steers their next phase. An announcement is expected before player retentions are finalised later in the year.
