Legendary former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has called time on his tenure as head coach of San Francisco Unicorns ahead of the fourth edition of the Major League Cricket (MLC). He coached the team in the first three editions of the tournament from 2023 to 2025.
The Unicorns announced the development through a statement but did not mention who was replacing the 44-year-old. The franchise stated that it is moving to a year-round coaching model, a role that Watson won’t be able to take up due to his other commitments.
“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,” the franchise said in its statement.
Watson didn’t have a great start to his coaching stint at the Unicorns. In the inaugural edition of the MLC in 2023, they finished fifth, only above the Los Angeles Knight Riders. However, they managed to bounce back strongly and made the playoffs in 2024 and 2025. In 2024, Watson’s men reached the finals, where they lost to Washington Freedom.
It has been a true privilege to lead the San Francisco Unicorns over the last three seasons: Watson
The Ipswich-born mentioned that it was a privilege for him to serve as head coach of San Francisco Unicorns over the past three editions of the tournament. He shared his gratitude at being able to work with world-class players as well as young talents in the six-team competition.
“It has been a true privilege to lead the San Francisco Unicorns over the last three seasons. 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 said.
Unicorns CEO David White stated that Watson was the natural choice for the head coach’s role when they began their journey in MLC. He thanked Watson for his services and wished him luck for his endeavours.
“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. We are eternally grateful for Shane’s dedication across his three seasons in charge, and the Unicorns wish him every success in his future endeavours,” White said.
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