Jason Gallian to Take Charge of Essex Women After Andy Tennant Steps Down

Jason Gallian will oversee Essex Women’s team for the remainder of the season after head coach Andy Tennant stepped down following a challenging first year in charge of the newly professional Tier 1 side.

Tennant, who joined Essex from the Sunrisers after the regional structure was dissolved, departs less than a year into his role. Despite leading Sunrisers to their first trophy in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy in 2024, he struggled to replicate that success with Essex, managing just five wins across all competitions.

Essex's inaugural Tier 1 season has been underwhelming, with the side winning only one match in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup and finishing second-bottom in their Vitality Blast group. Their T20 County Cup campaign ended early, with a loss to Tier 2 side Yorkshire in their only match.

“With the break in the fixtures for the Hundred, it has been an opportunity for both the club and myself to reflect and look ahead to next season,” Tennant said. “Following those conversations, it feels like now is the right time to step aside and seek my next opportunity.

“I am proud of what we have achieved together as a group and I would like to thank Essex for giving me the opportunity to continue the job we started with the Sunrisers three years ago. I wish the club well and I am confident this outstanding group of young female athletes will continue to develop and go from strength to strength.”

Tennant’s departure comes as the club enters the final weeks of the season. Jason Gallian, current chair of Essex’s cricket committee, will take charge of the coaching setup on an interim basis, while performance director Danni Warren continues to oversee the broader programme.

“I have built a strong working relationship with Andy since he joined the Sunrisers in 2022, which culminated in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy triumph during our final season in 2024,” said Warren. “Andy’s hard work in ensuring a seamless transition from Sunrisers to Essex has been hugely important to the progress we have made on and off the field.

“He should be proud of what he has achieved, including helping several players progress into The Hundred and international cricket. We wish him the very best for the future.”

Essex will begin their search for a permanent women's head coach during the off-season.