Keighley Cougars head coach Alan Kilshaw departs just two weeks before start of new season
Dan Burton has been appointed interim head coach following Kilshaw's exit
Last updated 6th Jan 2026
Keighley Cougars have announced the departure of Head Coach Alan Kilshaw barely two weeks before the start of the club's campaign in the expanded Championship.
The club says Kilshaw has been released from his role 'to pursue a significant opportunity' elsewhere.
Kilshaw joined Cougars from Australian team Oakey Bears last year, bringing experience from stints in charge of Hunslet and Swinton.
Cougars finished 9th in League 1 last campaign, with the league since merged into British rugby league's second tier.
The club has confirmed that Assistant Coach Dan Burton will take over as Interim Head Coach, ahead of Keighley's season opener against Goole on January 18.
Cougars Managing Director Kaue Garcia said:
“It has been an absolute pleasure working with Killer. We are gutted to see him leave, but we understand that he has an opportunity that he wants to pursue, and we wish him all the luck for him in the future.”
Reflecting on his decision, Kilshaw said: “This wasn’t an easy decision for me to make, but I feel the club is in a really good place."
"With Ryan and Kaue now more hands-on, there’s a strong structure in place, and a lot of good work has been done throughout pre-season which I’m confident will be evident in the performances this season.
“It’s been a privilege to coach this group of players and work with the staff, and I’m excited to watch how the next generation of Cougars continue to develop. I’d like to thank everyone at the club for the opportunity and support during my time here and wish the club nothing but success moving forward.”