Darren Lehmann steps down as Northern Superchargers men's head coach

The Australian coach follows assistant Andrew Gale out the door at the Headingley-based side ahead of the 2022 campaign

Northern Superchargers have begun the search for a new men's head coach following the departure of Darren Lehmann.

The 51-year-old has stepped down citing uncertainty around Covid-19, quarantining and travel restrictions.

Lehmann is currently back in Australia working as an assistant to Brisbane Heat head coach Wade Seccombe.

In his only season in charge of the Superchargers, he guided them to a fifth-place finish in the regular-season table, missing out on the knockout stage as a result.

Andrew Gale had already been confirmed to leave his role as an assistant in the wake of his departure from Yorkshire amid the racism scandal.

The appointment of Lehmann was thrust under the microscope following his suspension for using racially abusive language in 2003, but he remained in place at the Headingley-based team for the inaugural season.

^{Superchargers failed to progress to the knockout stage (Stu Forster/Getty Images)}

“It’s with a heavy heart that I have taken the decision to step down as men’s head coach at the Superchargers," he said.

"As for many people, the continuing uncertainty around COVID-19, quarantining and restrictions begins to play a part in your decisions.

"I loved my time with the Superchargers. Last season, despite all the challenges of Covid, was up there with one of my coaching highlights.

"The UK public got behind the new competition and I see it going from strength to strength. I thank the Northern Superchargers supporters, my coaching staff and the players and wish them all well."

Durham director of cricket Marcus North and general manager Andy Dawson will lead the search for Lehmann's successor.

Superchargers chair Heather Jackson added: “We are extremely grateful to Darren for all the hard work he put into preparing and leading the men’s team into the first season of The Hundred. We wish him all the very best for the future."