Law steps down as Queensland coach

Stuart Law has resigned from his position as coach of Queensland and the Brisbane Heat, despite having a year left on his contract.

Queensland Cricket said in a statement that the board met on Thursday night to review the on-field performances of the Heat after they finished last in the BBL this summer.

"Law met this afternoon to discuss the board findings and subsequently offered to step down as head coach," the statement said.

Queensland are about to begin the second half of their Sheffield Shield campaign and they sit in last place on the table, with just one win from their first five games. Assistant coach Justin Sternes will take over as interim coach for the remainder of the season.

Law was appointed as coach of Queensland and the Brisbane Heat in August 2013, after his predecessor Darren Lehmann was given the role of national coach.

He led the Bulls to the one-day title in his first season in charge, and they again finished in the top two of the Matador Cup this summer, but lost the elimination final and missed the chance to play in the decider.

"After consultation with the board, and much agonising, I have reached a decision to stand down from the position as head coach," Law said. "That is not a decision that I have taken lightly but one that will hopefully produce the desired results for Queensland in the future.

"I wish the players, the support staff and Queensland Cricket all the best for the rest of the season. I am a passionate, diehard Queenslander who hates losing and that will never change. And to the fans, thanks for your support and passion for what we do."

Jim Holding, the chairman of Queensland Cricket, said: "We are moving on with a comprehensive evaluation of our elite coaching set-up and resources and will take the necessary steps to put in place a structure that will be best placed to deliver success for our key strategic targets.

"We thank Stuart for his commitment to the Bulls and the Heat and wish him the best in his next endeavours. He will always fill a proud role in the eyes of cricket fans from his playing performances with the Bulls and Australia and this decision will not alter his standing in Queensland's history."

Prior to his appointment in 2013, Law served as coach of Bangladesh and, briefly, Sri Lanka after the 2011 World Cup. He was also coach of the Australia Under-19 side that reached the finals of the World Cup in 2012.