Leeds Rhinos sack head coach Brian McDermott

Leeds Rhinos sack head coach Brian McDermott

Leeds Rhinos have sacked head coach Brian McDermott following a run of seven consecutive Super League defeats.

McDermott had been at Leeds Rhinos as head coach since replacing Brian McClennan at the end of the 2010 Super League season. In that time, McDermott has won four Super League Grand Finals; one League Leaders’ Shield; two Challenge Cups; and one World Club Challenge.

The Rhinos won the Grand Final last season with a 24-6 win over Castleford Tigers at Old Trafford. But, this season has been far from plain sailing. They find themselves in eighth position on the competition ladder and Thursday’s 46-8 hammering away at Wigan Warriors, saw them register their seventh successive league defeat.

The defeat above, and the manner of it, has prompted chief executive Gary Hetherington to take immediate action and sack Brian McDermott.

Hetherington said, “it is always disappointing to announce the departure of someone who has contributed so much to our club’s success and Brian McDermott has certainly done that. The clubs most successful coach has also helped to forge a rugby operation with toughness, resilience and a strong desire to succeed, which his successor will inherit. That search will now begin in earnest.

“Eight years is a long time for any coach at the same club and we have enjoyed much success and endured some difficult times along the way when tough decisions had to be made. We have always come through strongly but I do believe our present predicament requires change and that this is the right call for the club.

“Brian is a man of the utmost integrity and passion for Rugby League.”

“He has so much to offer the sport and I have no doubt he will go on to achieve more success in the future. Leeds Rhinos will be forever indebted to his contribution.”

Brian McDermott failure to turnaround poor season leads to Sacking

After the defeat at Wigan, McDermott admitted he was concerned about their poor form but felt confident about turning it around. Unsurprisingly, he disagrees with the decision to terminate his contract at this stage of the campaign.

“I am extremely disappointed this has happened and obviously it is not a decision I agree with.” Said McDermott. “I wish everyone at the club the best and my thoughts will be with the team on Sunday and through to the end of the season.”

The Leeds Rhinos currently sit eight on the Betfred Super League table.

 

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