John Kear departs Bradford Bulls by mutual consent

Bradford Bulls have parted ways with head coach John Kear. 

Kear, 67, secured promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking with a play-off final victory over Workington Town.

He originally signed a three-year deal with Bradford in 2018 following their relegation to League 1.

He led the Bulls to a famous Challenge Cup win over Leeds Rhinos in 2019. Last year, the club recorded its highest league finish in six years, securing a play-off berth in the process.

Bradford currently sit ninth in the Championship table – securing just four wins from nine so far in 2022. They most recently fell to a 32-18 defeat to league favourites Featherstone on Monday night, live on Premier Sports.

Kear will coach Wales at this year’s Rugby League World Cup in England.

John Kear on departure

Kear said: “Having been at the Bulls for four and a half years, I feel that this move is the best one in order to take the club forward. I have enjoyed my time at Bradford, and should like to thank all concerned, especially the performance staff and players for their support.”

Chairman Nigel Wood added: “We would like to thank John for his considerable efforts on behalf of the club over the last four years.

“We met this morning and both agreed that it was in the club’s best interests to make a change at this moment in time.

“On a personal basis, I am very pleased for John, in what turned out to be his final match as head coach, that our performance last night was full of character and resilience. He leaves with our best wishes”.

Assistant coach Mark Dunning will take over as interim head coach while the club searches for their new permanent boss.

READ MORE: Zak Hardaker explains story behind Leeds Rhinos move

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