Former England captain Andrew Flintoff has made it clear he has no ambition to succeed Brendon McCullum as England head coach, despite recent speculation linking him to the top job following his coaching work with the England Lions and Northern Superchargers.
Flintoff, who returned to cricket coaching after recovering from a serious car crash during BBC’s Top Gear filming, has impressed in his roles with England’s second-string side and in The Hundred. His contributions have led to suggestions he could be a natural successor to McCullum, whose contract with England runs until the 2027 World Cup.
However, Flintoff dismissed the idea in an appearance on the Stick to Cricket podcast, calling McCullum “the best England coach” and drawing parallels between the culture McCullum has fostered and what Gareth Southgate did for England’s football team.
“It’s not something I’m looking at,” said Flintoff. “Baz McCullum is incredible – the best England coach. The culture he’s created is amazing… similar to what Gareth Southgate did with the football lads. They’re not just good players, they’re great lads as well.”
Flintoff also praised England’s managing director of men’s cricket Rob Key, describing him as “one of my best mates” and someone who’s supported him through personal challenges.
Though he has enjoyed success coaching, including guiding the Lions on their Australia tour and taking the Superchargers close to the knockout stages last season, Flintoff emphasized he is not looking at the head coach role or franchise cricket as a career path.
“I feel as though I’m in the perfect place working with the Lions. I don’t see this as a stepping stone to anything else,” he said. “I’ve got a job to do here.”
Flintoff has also been assisting the senior team, working with players ahead of the second Test against India at Edgbaston, alongside fellow former all-rounder Moeen Ali.
England captain Ben Stokes welcomed the involvement of past greats, calling their input around the team “invaluable”.
“It’s been a constant thing for us to get some of the greats into the environment,” said Stokes. “Those conversations we have around the nets… are so invaluable to players.”
Flintoff’s current focus remains on developing emerging talent and supporting the national setup, rather than eyeing a headline coaching role.
