Shane Watson Ends Coaching Tenure with San Francisco Unicorns After Three Seasons

Former Australia allrounder Shane Watson has ended his tenure as head coach of the San Francisco Unicorns, bringing to a close a three-year stint with the Major League Cricket (MLC) franchise.

The Unicorns confirmed Watson’s departure in an official statement, noting that the decision aligns with the team’s move toward a year-round coaching model. The franchise is yet to announce his successor.

“In an effort to strengthen the Unicorns' long-term strategy, the organization is shifting to a year-round coaching model,” the statement read. “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.”

Watson took charge of the Unicorns ahead of MLC’s inaugural season in 2023. Under his leadership, the team finished fifth in that debut season before making back-to-back playoff appearances in 2024 and 2025. The Unicorns’ best performance came in 2024 when they finished runners-up to the Washington Freedom.

Reflecting on his time with the franchise, Watson expressed gratitude for the experience.

“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.”

In addition to his MLC role, Watson has built a diverse coaching résumé in global franchise leagues. He served as assistant coach for Delhi Capitals in the IPL (2022–2023) and later took charge of Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024.

Unicorns CEO David White paid tribute to Watson’s contribution to the franchise’s foundation and early success.

“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,” 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.”

Watson will now focus on his commentary duties and the expansion of his BEON Performance coaching brand.