After accepting the job as Andhra’s new head coach, Gary Stead has accepted the role as New Zealand cricket’s new high performance coach, the cricket board announced on Friday, September 26. Stead, who previously worked as the coach of the New Zealand men’s cricket team, resigned from that role in June 2025, bringing his eight-year stint to an end.

Stead’s new role will see him tasked with the job of supporting player and coach development as well as curating high performance programmes. The 53-year-old won the World Test Championship title and also completed a 3-0 away whitewash of India.

“Gary Stead’s 34-year association with New Zealand cricket is set to continue, after he accepted an NZC high performance coaching role tasked with supporting player and coach development, as well as high performance programmes,” read the statement from New Zealand cricket.

Will the new role affect Stead’s association with Andhra cricket

Despite accepting the new role with New Zealand cricket, Stead will be able to continue his role as head coach of the Andhra state team. The former Blackcaps coach took the role in September this year and will precede over the 2025-26 season.

Speaking about his new role, Stead said he wanted to pass on his experience and help people learn. He also thanked New Zealand cricket for allowing to work outside.

“New Zealand cricket’s very much been at my heart for the past 30 odd years and to be able to keep contributing to the game I love is really special,” Stead said.

“I’m still passionate about coaching and trying to help people learn and improve. If I can pass on some of my skills and experiences to the wider cricket network and in turn help the BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS win on the world stage – than that would be really satisfying.

“I’m also appreciative of the opportunity to work outside of NZC to broaden my skills and experiences and hopefully I can bring what I learn back into our cricket environment.”

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