Who could be Durham’s next Head Coach?
After Ryan Campbell became Director of Cricket full-time at the end of the season, bringing an end to his four seasons as Head Coach. Durham are now looking for his replacement
Speaking to Thomas Ridley, the ECB Network Reporter for Durham about what Durham needs next from their next Head Coach, he said: “I think someone who matches the mentality of Campbell is key as they will be working closely with the Australian in the role.”
Thomas was also asked if he has a preferred candidate and said: “I have no preferred candidate, but one club legend, Ottis Gibson would be a wise pick if the club opt for a more experiences appointment while Neil Killeen is another candidate I’d consider.”
Finally, Thomas talked about Campbell’s promotion as Director of Cricket: “It’s a well-deserved promotion for Campbell. There has been lots of improvement on the pitch, but the relegation in 2025 is a major blot on his record. He has improved Durham’s white-ball fortunes, leading them to back-to-back T20 Blast quarter-finals in 2024 and 2025.
After promotion back to Division One, the club will be looking to challenge at the top of the table especially with former England Captain Ben Stokes looking to be available for the full campaign next year.
Here are four potential candidates for the head coach role at Durham.
Ottis Gibson
The former West Indies and South Africa Head Coach boasts an impressive CV which will appeal to Durham. Currently Gibson is a fast-bowling consultant at the West Indies and is set to coach West Indies A against England Lions. The former England bowling coach recently coached Yorkshire and guided them back into Division One in 2024. Gibson also is a former Durham player and helped Durham win the Friends Provident Trophy in 2007 and helping them to second place in the County Championship and a return to Durham could appeal to Gibson who resides in Durham.
Alan Walker
With Durham appointing internally for their new Director of Cricket, could they do the same for their new Head Coach? Alan Walker has a 30-year association with the club both as a player and a coach. Currently Walker is the assistant coach for both the men’s first and second teams. The chance to become full-time Head Coach could be something that appeals to Walker. Whilst James Franklin joined Birmingham Phoenix as assistant coach in the 2021 edition of the Hundred Walker led Durham to the 2021 Royal London Cup final against Glamorgan losing just one group game.
Jonathan Trott
The current England Lions Head coach was linked with the Test job in the summer and is an up-and-coming coach. Trott built his coaching reputation guiding Afghanistan to the semi-finals in the 2024 T20 World Cup with wins over Australia and New Zealand in the group stage. Since 2025 Trott has dipped his toes in the county game spending time at Glamorgan as a batting consultant. Now Durham is back in Division One Trott could view the vacancy as a chance to prove himself as a Head Coach in England.
Neil Killeen
Current interim England Under 19 Head Coach is a former player and bowling coach at the club before becoming Elite Pace Bowling Coach for England & Wales Cricket Board. Killeen has a 30-year association with the club, and the role of Head Coach could tempt him back to his boyhood club.
