Hull FC has secured a major coaching coup, agreeing to bring Steve McNamara back to the club as head coach starting next season. The move comes as current coach John Cartwright steps down immediately, despite previous plans for him to see out the current campaign.
McNamara, currently serving as assistant coach at Warrington Wolves, will return to his boyhood club where he made over 160 senior appearances as a player. Hull FC has agreed to pay a substantial transfer fee to Warrington to facilitate McNamara's early release from his current contract.
"We believe Steve is the right person to lead Hull FC into our next phase and are thrilled with his appointment," said Hull FC Chairman Andrew Thirkill. "His experience, leadership and standards will be critical as we build a team capable of competing consistently at the top of Super League."
The coaching change comes amid controversy surrounding Cartwright's departure. The Australian coach, who took over in 2025 after Hull's dismal 2024 season, told BBC Radio Humberside earlier this week that his exit "wasn't mutual" and that he felt "betrayed and disrespected" by the club's handling of the situation.
Cartwright had initially been expected to remain in charge until the end of the current season, but Thursday's loss to St Helens proved to be his final game. Assistant coach Andy Last will take over as interim head coach for the remainder of the campaign.
McNamara brings significant experience to the role, having previously coached England, Bradford Bulls, and most notably Catalans Dragons, where he led the French side to their first-ever Challenge Cup victory in 2018, a League Leaders' Shield, and two Super League Grand Final appearances.
Hull FC emphasized that McNamara remains fully committed to his duties at Warrington for the remainder of this season before making the switch to his former club. The club also acknowledged Cartwright's contributions, stating he "remains an employee of Hull FC" and thanking him for his efforts during his tenure.