Salford Red Devils Secure Head Coach Rowley with Long-Term Deal, Potential Director Role
In a strategic move to solidify their coaching staff, Salford Red Devils have offered a new long-term contract to head coach Paul Rowley. The deal not only extends Rowley’s tenure with the Super League club but also includes the prospect of him transitioning into a director-style role in the coming years.
The news comes on the heels of Salford’s director of rugby, Ian Blease, departing the club to join Leeds Rhinos as their new sporting director. Love Rugby League understands that in the interim, executive chairman Paul King and director Paul Trainor will assume some of the responsibilities vacated by Blease’s departure.
The loss of Blease had sparked speculation that Rowley might follow suit and leave the Red Devils. However, Salford are determined to retain their head coach and have tabled a significant, groundbreaking offer to secure his long-term future with the club.
The new deal would extend Rowley’s current contract, which expires at the end of the next season, across several years. Crucially, it would also grant Rowley and the club the flexibility to discuss his transition into a potential performance director or director of rugby role at any point.
Salford’s eagerness to retain Rowley for an extended period reflects their satisfaction with the progress made under his leadership. The former Leigh and Toronto boss had previously turned down the opportunity to become the next Hull FC head coach, opting instead to remain with the Red Devils.
Despite the speculation linking Rowley to the Leeds job following Blease’s move, Salford are determined to quell any approaches or interest from other clubs. By offering Rowley a long-term deal with the prospect of a new role, the club aims to provide him with more autonomy over his career and the overall rugby direction at Salford.
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