Six contenders to be the new Salford head coach

With the news that Richard Marshall would be leaving his post as Salford Red Devils head coach, the rumour mill has been in overdrive over his likeliest replacement. Here are the top five.

Andrew Henderson

With Andrew Henderson set to leave Warrington at the end of the season, a top job must soon be on the horizon. Having been linked with the Leigh job midway through 2021, that didn’t come to fruition but it doesn’t mean that Henderson should be ruled out of this one with it being all change at the AJ Bell Stadium. A known competitor with the desire to succeed, a move here could underline his ambitions to move up in the sport.

James Ford

James Ford has been tipped for the big time on many occasions, despite his first and only coaching job being York, where a 70% win rate has drawn the attention of top clubs. It may take a lot to persuade Ford to leave the Knights where he is on the way to building something special, but the pull of an established top-flight club could prove to be the tonic. The former three-quarter would bring a great deal of enthusiasm and youthful insight to the Red Devils, but it would be difficult to prove that he would be a success in Super League.

Danny Ward

Having been London boss since 2018, Danny Ward’s stock has risen considerably. He earned promotion in his first season, beating favourites Toronto 4-2 away from home. Though the Broncos were relegated from Super League in 2019 by points difference, Ward earned numerous plaudits for the way he got the capital club firing. It would be a risk for Salford considering how London played at the start of this season under Ward, but it is one that could pay off massively.

Brian McDermott

Really not given a chance to show his credentials with another Super League side given the demise of the Toronto Wolfpack, the former Leeds boss could be persuaded to return to management in the top-flight if Wakefield come calling. Boasting a CV that other coaches look at in envy, McDermott would certainly bring a trophy-winning pedigree to the AJ Bell Stadium. It remains to be seen though if McDermott would take over at strugglers Salford.

Paul Rowley

Perhaps the most obvious choice is Paul Rowley; already at Salford in a head of rugby capacity, Rowley would certainly give the Red Devils an ounce of bite that has been lacking for a few seasons now. Though his time at Leigh came to an abrupt end, the former Leigh, Halifax and Huddersfield hooker has been on the look out for a new job ever since things went pear-shaped with Toronto in 2018. He’s a man that knows how Salford tick and should be firmly in the running to take the reins.

Danny Orr

Formerly assistant to Daryl Powell and Ian Millward at Castleford since 2012, Danny Orr has sat patiently for an opportunity for the past few seasons. A move to Salford at the end of 2020 was expected to soon see him rise up in the ranks, but Orr sat second fiddle to Richard Marshall for a less-than successful year in 2021. Now, though, with the experience of being number two for one of the best British coaches in the game in Powell, Orr would surely his hat into the ring.