Australian all-rounder Shane Watson steps down as head coach of San Francisco Unicorns

‌After three seasons at the helm of the San Francisco Unicorns in the Major Cricket League, Shane Watson has decided to part ways with the franchise. The Australian all-rounder guided the side to their maiden final in MLC last year after finishing an underwhelming fifth in the six-team table during the inaugural edition.

They lost to Washington Freedom in the summit clash in 2024 before losing to eventual champions MI New York in the Eliminator in the current edition of the tournament. With Watson busy with his commentary schedules and personal performance coaching brand, SFU is on the lookout for a coach who can spend the entire year with the side to strengthen their long-term strategy.

"In an effort to strengthen the Unicorns' long-term strategy, the organization is shifting to a year-round coaching model," the franchise said in a statement. "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."

"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," Unicorns CEO David White said. "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."

"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."