Former Leeds Rhinos and Toronto Wolfpack head coach Brian McDermott has landed a new role down under.
McDermott has been working in the NRL since joining Newcastle Knights’ backroom team in November 2022 as an assistant coach under Adam O’Brien. However, he has now made the move to South East Queensland to join Gold Coast Titans’ coaching team.
The 55-year-old is one of the first appointments made by new head coach Josh Hannay, who has been appointed to take the Titans into the 2026 NRL season following the departure of Des Hasler.
McDermott will serve under Hannay as an assistant coach and he’ll hope to help the club improve on their dismal 2025 campaign in which they finished 16th, above the Knights on points difference alone.
Gold Coast Titans hire former Leeds Rhinos head coach
“Brian’s record speaks for itself,” Titans CEO Steve Mitchell said, as per the statement released by the club.
“He’s one of the most respected minds in the game and what excites us most is the knowledge and professionalism he will bring to our coaching team under Josh.
“We know he’ll play a significant role in developing our squad and helping us achieve sustained success and we can’t wait to welcome him.”
McDermott has been coaching since his retirement from playing in 2002, with spells on the backroom teams at Huddersfield Giants and Leeds coming before he took over at Harlequins in July 2006.
The Yorkshireman left the London outfit in 2010 to take over at Leeds Rhinos and during that time, he led the club to four Super League titles, two Challenge Cups, a World Club Challenge and a League Leaders’ Shield.
He won promotion to Super League with Toronto and had spells with Featherstone Rovers and Oldham before heading to Australia.
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