Hesson resigns as Black Caps coach

New Zealand will be on the hunt for a new coach after Mike Hesson, regarded by Brendon McCullum as the Black Caps' greatest ever mentor, announced his resignation on Thursday.

Hesson, who has spent six years in the head-coaching job, will end his tenure in July citing a desire to spend more time with his young family.

"This job requires 100 percent commitment and is all consuming," said the 43-year-old. "I know what's required over the next 12 months, but if I'm honest, I don't feel I have the capacity to give the job what it deserves.

"New Zealand Cricket, in particular (chief executive) David White and the board, have given me incredible support, including flexibility and options. But the idea of missing a match, a tour or a format, as has been proposed at different times, has never sat well with me."

"I couldn't let this opportunity pass without acknowledging my wife Kate and our daughters Holly and Charlie, who have sacrificed so much for me over the past six years.

"And I just want to place on record my gratitude to all the players and support staff. I love the team and have great hopes about what they will be able to achieve. I'll always be a supporter."

Hesson, who took up coaching at the young age of 22 in Otago, replaced John Wright in 2012 and has overseen a successful period in all formats. Most notably, he led NZ to the final of the World Cup for the first time in 2015.

The Kiwis clinched the No.1 ranking in T20 Internationals during his time at the helm, and reached as high as No.2 in ODIs and No.3 in Tests during Hesson's reign.

He has not accepted a position with another team, New Zealand Cricket said in a statement, with a "need to pause and refresh after six hectic years" the reason behind his exit. 

"Mike exemplified the "team-first" attitude he himself talked about and left no stone unturned in terms of leading the side to success," said Black Caps captain Kane Williamson.

"I've witnessed his work-ethic first-hand and have seen the sacrifices he's made, and I can only say I have the utmost respect for what he's achieved."

New Zealand legend and former skipper McCullum described Hesson as the best coach the country has ever had. 

"We remember the 2015 World Cup as a great time for New Zealand and Mike should be recognised for the huge part he played in that," said McCullum.

"His meticulous planning and eye for detail gave us our best chance of success and he can be proud of what he helped the team achieve.

"Personally, I regard him as the best coach the Black Caps have ever had."

Last month, Hesson replaced his former Australian counterpart Darren Lehmann on the influential International Cricket Council Cricket Committee as the panel's coaching representative, but will presumably have to stand down given his resignation, as Lehmann did.

Hesson's contract with NZ had been due to expire at the end of next year's ODI World Cup, and White said NZC will soon begin the search for a successor.

"The recruitment process will commence shortly," said White. "We have a resourceful and well-respected captain; the leadership team within the squad is strong, and the support staff is very experienced.

"We think it's important the successful candidate or candidates complement(s) the existing environment." 

The Kiwis' next international assignment is slated for October against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.