The San Francisco Unicorns and their Head Coach Shane Watson have mutually decided to part ways after three successful seasons, paving the way for the franchise to adopt a year-round coaching model. Watson, who was the team’s first head coach, played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Unicorns within Major League Cricket, guiding the franchise through its formative years.
During his tenure, Watson led the Unicorns to notable achievements, including a championship game appearance in 2024 and playoff berths in consecutive seasons, marked by an impressive six-game winning streak in 2025. Appointed in 2023, Watson’s focus was on cultivating team culture, mentoring American players, and inspiring international stars to join the ranks.
Unicorns CEO David White praised Watson’s contributions, stating, “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. We are eternally grateful for Shane’s dedication across his three seasons in charge, and we wish him every success in his future endeavors.”
Co-owner Anand Rajaraman echoed these sentiments, highlighting Watson’s leadership in fostering a winning culture and promoting cricket’s growth in the Bay Area. Co-owner Venky Harinarayan emphasized the invaluable global experience and professionalism Watson brought to the team, indicating that his legacy will always be embedded in the franchise’s history.
Expressing his gratitude, Watson remarked, “It has been a true privilege to lead the San Francisco Unicorns over the last three seasons. 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.”
As the Unicorns look to the future, they remain optimistic about building upon the strong foundation that Watson helped create, signaling a new chapter in their development as an influential force in American cricket.