Sussex have appointed Matt Walker as their new head coach, taking over from Paul Farbrace, who is moving into the newly created role of Director of Cricket. The 52-year-old will start on 1 November ahead of the 2027 season, joining a club that is trying to rebuild after a difficult financial period and a points deduction. Walker's arrival is part of a wider shake-up of Sussex's leadership, alongside new chairman Ed Warner, as they seek to restore stability both on and off the pitch.

Walker spent eight seasons as head coach at Kent, leading them to promotion to Division One in 2018, a T20 Blast title in 2021 and the One-Day Cup in 2022; he has also worked with the England men's set-up and currently coaches at Warwickshire and MI London in The Hundred. Sussex won Division One in 2024 before finishing fourth in 2025, but were docked 12 points for the 2026 season after sustained operating losses, and remain under a salary cap with ECB financial oversight until 2028. The club also faces player departures, with Henry Crocombe moving to Surrey and several others out of contract, as Walker and Farbrace look to rebuild a squad capable of competing for trophies.