Betfred Championship side Oldham have confirmed that Super League’s most successful Head Coach of all-time – Brian McDermott – has joined the club as Coaching Consultant until the end of the season.
McDermott led Leeds Rhinos to four Betfred Super League Grand Final victories, two Challenge Cup triumphs as well as lifting the League Leaders’ Shield in 2015 as part of a memorable treble. The Rhinos also beat Manly Sea Eagles in the 2012 World Club Challenge under McDermott’s stewardship.
The 51-year-old had previously spent five seasons as Harlequins RL boss in the Betfred Super League. In 2019, he took over at Toronto Wolfpack and guided the side to promotion from the Betfred Championship via the Million Pound Game.
McDermott said: “Chris [Hamilton] and I go back a long way, to 1997 in fact, and I have always held him in high regard for the way he has run the club over many years and for the way he has conducted himself in the chairmanship of the club.
“Due to unfortunate circumstances, Oldham find themselves in a relegation battle. Chris asked me for help and advice. We met for talks and I am pleased to say I will come on board at Roughyeds as a coaching consultant until the end of the season.
“Matt Diskin will have put some good systems and coaching philosophies in place, of that I’m sure, so I won’t be coming in to turn the place upside down.
“Sometimes, a different voice, a new perspective and a change of personnel can make the difference.”
Oldham Chairman Chris Hamilton added: “This is a huge capture for the club and one that I am sure will be massively welcomed by all concerned, especially by our supporters.
“Brian is coming in as coaching consultant, and he will work closely with Shez [Brendan Sheridan].
“His marvellous record as a player and coach speaks for itself. More than that, he is his own man and that was very much part of the appeal in talking to him.
“I have always had a lot of respect for Brian, and I don’t think we could have got anyone better in the situation we are in.”
McDermott’s first game in his new role at Oldham will see the Roughyeds go against Bradford Bulls, for whom McDermott spent his entire playing career. You can watch the game live on Our League by buying a gameday pass here.
