Bradford issue update on search for next head coach

Josh McAllister
Bradford Bulls, Odsal Stadium

Bradford Bulls CEO Jason Hirst has issued an update on the club’s search for their next permanent coach following the departure of Mark Dunning. 

The Championship side announced Dunning’s exit earlier his month by mutual consent.

He had led the side to five wins from 10 in the 2023 Championship season, having gone on to win their sixth under interim boss Lee Greenwood with a 44-38 win over Swinton at Odsal Stadium.

Dunning was appointed permanent head coach last July on a contract until November 2023, having initially acted as interim boss following the departure of John Kear.

Former Dewsbury Rams head coach and Dunning’s assistant Greenwood has since taken charge on an interim basis following Dunning’s departure.

Bradford CEO issue update on head coach vacany

CEO Hirst has confirmed that the club has held face-to-face interviews and expects to conduct more in the near-future.

The side currently sit seventh in the Championship table, and face Keighley this Sunday during the Summer Bash at the LNER Community Stadium.

Hirst said in a statement: “Following the May 17th deadline, the club has reviewed the numerous expressions of interest received.

“This has led to a number of face to face interviews taking place over the last week, with more planned, this week and next.

“In the meantime, the board remains fully confident that the 1st team is in good hands under the stewardship and expertise of interim head coach, Lee Greenwood and football consultant, Brian Noble.

“Further announcements will be made once a permanent appointment is made.”

Summer Bash coverage confirmed

All seven Championship fixtures are set to be made available for fans this weekend from York.

Five of the seven fixtures will be made available for pay-per-view streaming on the RFL’s Our League, in addition to the two matches already confirmed for Viaplay coverage.

London Broncos’ clash with Toulouse on the Saturday at 5:15pm and Featherstone’s fixture with York have already been selected for Viaplay coverage.

The first two games on Saturday – Widnes Vikings versus Swinton Lions from 12:45pm, followed by the Cumbrian clash between Whitehaven and Barrow Raiders at 3pm – will be shown on Our League, before coverage switches to Viaplay.

Sunday’s action opens with the Women’s Super League clash between York Valkyrie and Warrington Wolves, which will be made available on Our League for no charge for members. 

The three remaining Championship games will all be pay-per-view on the Sunday.

Newcastle Thunder continue the action against Sheffield at 1:45pm, followed by Halifax against Batley Bulldogs (4pm) and the weekend closed by Keighley versus Bradford at 6:15pm.

Days and kick-off times for the Championship Summer Bash 2023

Saturday May 27

Widnes Vikings v Swinton Lions (12.45pm, Our League)

Whitehaven v Barrow Raiders (3pm, Our League)

London Broncos v Toulouse Olympique (5.15pm, Viaplay)

Featherstone Rovers v York Knights (7.30pm, Viaplay)

Sunday May 28

York Valkyrie v Warrington Women (11.30am, Our League)

Newcastle Thunder v Sheffield Eagles (1.45pm, Our League)

Halifax Panthers v Batley Bulldogs (4pm, Our League)

Keighley Cougars v Bradford Bulls (6.15pm, Our League)

READ NEXT: Our League set to cover five Summer Bash fixtures this weekend

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