What now? Hull FC take stock and reassess coaching stance after Paul Rowley call

Paul Rowley, Hull FC's number one target for the Black and Whites' vacant head coach position, is staying at Salford Red Devils, with the Greater Manchester club releasing a statement this Tuesday evening.

Despite an offer presented and a huge fee being negotiated by both clubs, Rowley, who still has a year and a half left on his deal, is remaining loyal to Salford despite the Yorkshire outfit's confidence that a breakthrough could have been made. Regardless, that means Hull's search is ongoing, and that begs the question: What now?

After drawing up a shortlist after Tony Smith's departure, Hull will now take stock and assess the situation. Just like the Ian Watson setback in 2021, they identified more than one target and are understood to prefer an English-based option. That doesn't rule out overseas acquisitions, certainly if they have experience coaching on these shores, but declares a preference for the direction they want to go in.

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It also narrows that search to who they could acquire. Right now, who that man is remains a mystery, and that's probably a good thing until they have sealed the signature in an envelope, placed it in a safe, and thrown the key in a bunker.

Richie Myler, who has sealed two player deals to bring Tom Briscoe and Ed Chamberlain to the club, now has a bigger job on his hands. It's his number one priority to find that head coach.

It will be interesting to see what route Hull take next. The obvious thing is to point out interim man Simon Grix, a high-potential head coach who is already well thought of at the club. Taking charge until the end of the current season, he has to be an option, with Myler previously confirming he is a candidate.

Elsewhere, there are one or two assistants that may trigger interest, and at different ends of the spectrum, at least in terms of experience. One of those is Danny Ward, an experienced coach who did a stern job at London Broncos and is currently at Hull KR, having had a brief spell in charge of Castleford Tigers last season. The other is Danny McGuire, who took charge of the Robins on an interim basis back in 2022 and is now at Castleford. He is tipped by many to have a bright future in the coaching game.

Brian McDermott is also another option, having had plenty of Super League experience. There are also many people out there who would love Steve McNamara. He's done a stellar job with Catalans Dragons but has just signed a new contract, keeping him at the French club until 2026. And then there's Lee Briers who has done a fine job in the NRL at Brisbane Broncos.

Regardless, it's back to the drawing board now as Hull assess their options and go again. They've missed out on Rowley, but to try and lure him to the club, knowing he was contracted and it was a big ask, shows ambition at least. It's that sort of ambition they must show again to get what needs to be the right appointment over the line.

Read more: 'It's really exciting' - Tom Briscoe sets Hull FC ambition as Darnell McIntosh departure confirmed