Bradford Bulls have announced they have parted company with head coach Mark Dunning by mutual consent with immediate effect.
CEO Jason Hirst said: “We would like to thank Mark for his commitment and service to the club and it is disappointing that results have not reflected the hard work and commitment that he has undoubtedly shown. He leaves with our very best wishes.”
Assistant Coach Lee Greenwood will take over on an interim basis while the club’s search for a new head coach begins.
As this search starts, who could we see the Bulls move for.
Danny Ward
A Grand Final winner against the Bradford Bulls in 2004, Ward was heavily linked with the Castleford Tigers job. Ward knows the route to Super League from the Championship guiding London Broncos to the top tier in 2019. The Broncos and Bulls were both relegated in 2014. He is a great developer of players and would be a terrific option.
Matt Adamson
A former teammate of Ward’s, Matt Adamson has been open about his ambition to coach and Serious About Rugby League revealed earlier this year that he was keen on coaching in the Championship. Leeds Rhinos through and through, Adamson actually turned down a move to Bradford Bulls in 2005. The Australian has worked as an agent in recent times and would have great connections. He has worked under the likes of Craig Bellemy as a coach too and is currently in the UK to run in the Rob Burrow marathon.
Paul Anderson
We haven’t seen Paul Anderson coach a first team side since 2016 but he still delivered Huddersfield Giants’ best years in Super League and their only trophy of the summer era in 2013. A Bradford Bulls legend, this would be the perfect time to see him back coaching a first team but he should be commended for the work he has done with the likes of England Knights.
Chev Walker
Currently assistant coach at Leeds Rhinos, Walker finished his career at Bradford Bulls. A homecoming now that he has plenty of experience at different levels of coaching could be perfect for both parties.
Justin Morgan
Linked with the Castleford Tigers job recently, it would be amazing to see Justin Morgan try and awake this sleeping giant in rugby league. He did that with Hull KR in 2006 guiding them to promotion.
Brian McDermott
How big would this be? Happy in Australia with Newcastle Knights, perhaps it is a long shot but another Bradford Bulls legend and still Super League’s most successful coach, could he return to Odsal? He has worked closely with Brian Noble before and Noble is still at the club.