Summary Matthews said Langer's achievements on and off field spoke of the importance of strong leadership.
SYDNEY (AFP) - Former Australia opening batsman Justin Langer on Tuesday ruled himself out of the running for the vacant England coaching job by signing a new contract with Western Australia.
Langer had been touted as a possible replacement for the sacked Peter Moores, having been a mentor to new England director of cricket Andrew Strauss early in his professional career when they both played for county side Middlesex.
He has also been linked to a coaching role with India, but said that while he was flattered, his future lay closer to home, signing a two-year extension to his contract with the Western Australian Cricket Association.
"I am flattered to be associated with potential international coaching opportunities, but the timing isn t right for my family and I still feel there is much work to be done here in Western Australian and Australian cricket," he said in a statement.
"Having spent nearly 20 years on the road with the Australian team as a player and then coach, I respect what an enormous commitment it is to be away from your family for almost 12 months of the year.
"There is no doubt I have aspirations to coach internationally, but that will depend upon timing and opportunity in the future. I look forward to continuing my work at the WACA and I am excited by this challenge."
Langer s ability to get the most out of people has been a hallmark of his coaching and has been reflected in Western Australia s national representation.
During his tenure as head coach, Ashton Agar made his Test debut, Nathan Coulter-Nile made his one-day international debut while Adam Voges, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh and Mitchell Johnson are all in the current Australia squad.
WACA chief Christina Matthews said Langer s achievements on and off the field spoke of the importance of strong leadership from a head coach.
"WA cricket is extremely fortunate to have someone of Justin s talent, character, dedication and passion to help guide our players," she said. Langer has also been touted as a potential successor to Australia coach Darren Lehmann.
Langer s decision leaves fellow Australian Jason Gillespie, now the coach of county champions Yorkshire, as a favourite for the England job as the squad prepare for a home Ashes series against their arch-rivals beginning in July.
