Johan Botha Walks Away From Queensland and Heat Coaching Jobs

Johan Botha has stepped down as head coach of both Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat, with one year still left on his 3-year contract signed in 2024. Queensland Cricket confirmed the resignation on Tuesday, June 9. Botha, 44, informed the organization he was leaving. Heat had less success in the BBL, finishing fifth and seventh across two seasons with Botha having taken over after they won the title in 2023-24 under previous coach Wade Seccombe. "Queensland Cricket has today accepted the resignation of Brisbane Heat and Queensland Bulls coach Johan Botha," a statement said on Tuesday. Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson said. "While we haven't achieved all of our on-field goals in that time, Johan has made a strong contribution towards the development of the next generation of Queensland and Brisbane Heat players. Despite this decision, Johan's contributions to our high performance group have been valued." Two seasons in charge after replacing Wade Seccombe in 2024, just months after Seccombe led Heat to a BBL title. Results:Queensland: Reached the Sheffield Shield final in Botha’s first season, finished 3rd last summer. Brisbane Heat: Missed BBL finals in both seasons under Botha. QC CEO Terry Svenson praised Botha’s work developing younger players: “While we haven’t achieved all of our on-field goals… Johan has made a strong contribution towards the development of the next generation”. Queensland Cricket will now begin an immediate search for a new head coach ahead of the 2026-27 season. Botha becomes the 3rd state coach not returning next summer, joining Adam Voges leaving WA and Greg Shipperd sacked by NSW. The Heat are one of 3 BBL clubs changing coaches for BBL|16. There remains some uncertainty surrounding the coaching structures at both Melbourne BBL clubs after Cricket Victoria announced they would merge Stars and Renegades under one administration with a view of selling the second franchise license this year. There is a chance Renegades could play one more season in its current form if a private investor is not ready to take over or make any coaching changes in time.