Super League champions Leeds sack coach Brian McDermott after club record losing run
The Rhinos were crowned league champions last October but have endured a chastening run in recent weeks, and a 46-8 loss to Wigan proved the final straw
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Leeds have sacked head coach Brian McDermott following a club record seven successive Super League losses.
McDermott succeeded Brian McClennan in October 2010 and went on to guide Leeds to glory in four Grand Finals, as well as two Challenge Cups and a World Club Challenge.
The Rhinos were crowned league champions last October but have endured a chastening run in recent weeks, and a 46-8 loss to Wigan last Thursday left them clinging to a top-eight place.
"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," chief executive Gary Hetherington said.
McDermott was backed when Leeds dropped into the Qualifiers two years ago and they responded by retaining their top-flight place before toppling Castleford in last season's Grand Final.
However, they have had to cope with another 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.
Hetherington added: "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.
"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."
McDermott had been the league's longest-serving coach and the defeat to the Warriors last week was his 265th game in charge.
The 48-year-old former Bradford and Great Britain prop had been confident Leeds were "going to come good" in the closing weeks of the season.
He leaves them 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.
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."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments