Jess Thirlby has stepped down as England Netball head coach four months ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Assistant coach Anna Stembridge will take over as head coach throughout the Games, which take place from July 25 until August 2, having previously served in the role from 2011-2015, during which time she led the team to gold at the World Netball Series in Liverpool 2011.
Thirlby, who succeeded Tracey Neville in the job in July 2019, explained in a statement that she is standing down in order to focus on supporting her family.
"It is with a heavy heart that I share my decision to step down from my role as head coach at England Netball, effective immediately," Thirlby said in a statement.
"It has been an incredible six and a half years and the greatest privilege to be the Roses' longest-serving head coach. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together - particularly the historic World Cup silver medal we fought so hard for, which resulted in our joint-highest world ranking. 
"The dedication, passion, and excellence this team has shown has been nothing short of inspirational.  No matter how much we love what we do, we are all still human. This is not a decision I had ever thought I would have to make but I need to turn my attention onto supporting my incredible family. 
"On reflection, I was mistaken to not prioritise and process the loss of my father at the time of his death, instead, and without regret, travelling with the team for the World Cup and the subsequent series in New Zealand. Everything I have done since has been to prioritise the England Roses and with this in mind, I feel that stepping down as head coach now is best for me and my family."
During her time in the job Thirlby guided England to a historic silver medal at the 2023 World Cup before also winning the 2025 Netball Nations Cup.
She previously coached Team Bath and Celtic Dragons having also represented England as a player.
"I want to thank Jess for her time as head coach and for the dedication and commitment she has shown to the programme and the wider game over the past six and a half years," said England Netball CEO Fran Connolly.
"During her tenure, the side reached a historic Netball World Cup final, secured multiple series victories, and recorded wins against every nation ranked in the world's top five.
"We are grateful for the leadership and professionalism Jess has shown throughout and for the significant contribution she has made to the continued growth and development of the Roses programme. We wish Jess and her family the very best for the future.
"We now look ahead to building on these strong foundations as the Vitality Roses enter the next phase of their journey."
Former Roses captain Olivia Murphy joins the England set-up as assistant coach on a secondment from Loughborough Sport, while former Australian Diamonds captain Sharni Layton continues as specialist coach joined by 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jo Harten.
England, champions at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, enter this year's Games seeking a return to medal contention after losing in the bronze medal match in 2022.
"Looking ahead to the Commonwealth Games, I am proud of the foundations we have built together," Thirlby added. "The systems, structures and culture of excellence we have developed have created a strong and resilient team, capable of competing with the best on the international stage.
"The work put in by the players and staff has been exceptional, and I know the group will approach the Games with commitment and belief.   I feel confident that the team is in a good place and well prepared for the next phase of their journey.
"This will ensure that the incredible momentum we have built continues, and that the team has the best possible preparation for the Games."
Thirlby described her time as Roses head coach as the "most rewarding" period of her professional career.
