Broncos sack coach Kevin Walters just 12 months after reaching grand final

Broncos sack coach Kevin Walters just 12 months after reaching grand final

The Brisbane Broncos have sacked coach Kevin Walters just 12 months after he led the club to a grand final.

The Broncos held an end-of-season review and decided to terminate the contract of Walters effective immediately.

Kevin Walters has been sacked.Credit: Brook Mitchell

Broncos chairman Karl Morris confirmed the decision to News Corp.

“We feel deeply for Kev,” he said. “He will always be a respected guy and a legend of the Broncos and he will always be treated that way.

“Of course I am shocked. This is a huge job and a pressure job at the Broncos. We have great appreciation for Kevvie’s efforts and wish him well.”

Walters has been at the helm of the Broncos for the past four seasons. They have missed the finals on three of those occasions despite having a star-studded team.

Adam Reynolds of the Broncos reacts after a Panthers try in the grand final.Credit: Getty Images

His only finals appearance came last season when he led the Broncos within 16 minutes of a premiership, before being run down by Nathan Cleary and the Penrith Panthers.

The Broncos failed to reach lofty heights in 2024 and finished the season in 12th position, forcing the club into a major review of the football department under Walters’ watch.

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Club legend Ben Te’o and former Parramatta Eels interim coach Trent Barrett were brought to the club to be Walters’ assistants next season.

Other potential options for the Broncos include Queensland State of Origin assistant coach Josh Hannay, who missed out on the Eels job to Jason Ryles.

NSW State of Origin coach Michael Maguire, who previously applied for the Broncos job, is also expected to be one of the leading contenders given his feats for the Blues this year.

Ex-Eels coach Brad Arthur has signed a one-year deal with Leeds in the Super League for next year but could also become a potential replacement for Walters.

Other coaches with NRL experience include Jason Demetriou and Justin Holbrook.

More to come …

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