Brian McDermott sacked by Leeds Rhinos after trophy-laden tenure
Written by News on 02/07/2018
Leeds Rhinos have announced the sacking of head coach Brian McDermott, after a club-record seven successive Super League defeats.
McDermott departs after a spectacularly successful tenure – having been at the helm since October 2010, when he replaced Brian McClennan.
He went on to guide Leeds to glory in four Grand Finals, including a 24-6 defeat of Castleford last year, as well as two Challenge Cups and a World Club Challenge.
But the Rhinos have endured a chastening run in recent weeks and have released the man who had been Super League’s longest-serving coach, after a 46-8 loss to Wigan last Thursday left them clinging to a top-eight place.
Chief executive Gary 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 club’s 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 head 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.”
McDermott said: “I am extremely disappointed this has happened and obviously it is not a decision I agree with.
“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.”
McDermott leaves with Leeds eighth in the standings ahead of Sunday’s trip to Castleford, while they have reached the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup and will face Warrington on August 5.
The Rhinos have had to cope with an injury crisis this year – at one point they had 12 senior players on the sidelines – and have not won in the league since beating Hull KR at the end of April.
(c) Sky News 2018: Brian McDermott sacked by Leeds Rhinos after trophy-laden tenure
