Salford RLFC confirm head coach as phoenix club prepare for Championship start

Salford RLFC have taken the first steps as their phoenix club with a new head coach and assistant confirmed.

After being granted RFL membership on December 22nd, it’s been a race to get things ready for the new season, which starts on Friday, 16th January.

Salford kick off the season when they host Oldham and it’s now been confirmed that they will have Mike Grady as their head coach, with Dave Hewitt appointed as his assistant.

Grady has lots of experience coaching with his most recent appointment being as Salford Red Devils women’s head coach, however, he has previously worked at Newcastle Thunder, North Wales Crusaders and Rochdale Hornets among other sides.

News of Grady being appointed as head coach was confirmed by the club on social media with a brief statement revealing he and Hewitt to their new roles.

It read: “We’re delighted to announce Mike Grady as our new head coach, joined by Dave Hewitt as assistant coach.”

Salford RLFC confirm new head coach

The statement continued: “Experience. Energy. Belief. Together, they’ll lead Salford RLFC into a new era of hard work, pride and exciting rugby.”

It’s a major appointment and now completes the key staff at the club with Mason Caton-Brown as owner, Ryan Brierley as CEO and Marcelle Lock as their general manager.

On Grady, a press release from Salford RLFC said: “Salford RLFC is delighted to announce the appointment of Mike Grady as the club’s new Head Coach, effective immediately.”

Speaking on the appointment, CEO Ryan Brierley said: “Mike has been part of the Salford fabric for a while now, and this is a fantastic opportunity for him to take this club forward.

“I’ll fully support his decisions and help build a team around his enthusiasm, professionalism, and love for the game. He understands what Salford stands for, resilience, community, pride and he shares our vision of creating exciting, sustainable rugby that our supporters can believe in.”

Check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show on our YouTube channel here.

We’re delighted to announce @MikeGrady04 as our new Head Coach, joined by Dave Hewitt as Assistant Coach 🔴⚫️

Experience. Energy. Belief.

Together, they’ll lead Salford RLFC into a new era of hard work, pride & exciting rugby. 🙌#SalfordRLFC #RiseAgainTogether #ForTheFans pic.twitter.com/U7cXAdzZFh

— Salford RLFC (@Salford_RLFC) January 5, 2026