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The Dragons have sacked Shane Flanagan after a winless start, with Ben Hornby and Brad Arthur in contention to replace him.
St George Illawarra Dragons have parted ways with head coach Shane Flanagan, confirming his immediate departure by mutual agreement after a winless start to the 2026 season.
Chief executive Tim Watsford and chairman Andrew Lancaster announced the decision at a press conference on Monday, with the club sitting 0-7 and on an 11-match losing streak. Head of football Ben Haran has also left the organisation.
An interim coach is expected to be appointed this week, with assistants Dean Young and Michael Ennis the leading internal candidates.
Attention has already turned to a permanent replacement, with reports indicating former premiership-winning captain Ben Hornby and ex-Parramatta coach Brad Arthur are among the preferred options.
Hornby, who led the Dragons to the 2010 title, is currently an assistant at South Sydney Rabbitohs and has worked under Wayne Bennett since 2025. He is reportedly only open to returning if offered the role on a full-time basis.
Arthur, meanwhile, is coaching Leeds Rhinos after a long tenure with Parramatta that included a grand final appearance in 2022.
The Dragons' decision-making may also be influenced by internal considerations. The board is reportedly cautious about promoting Young, given his father Craig Young is a club figure and board member, amid a desire to avoid perceptions of nepotism.
Flanagan's tenure ends with a 35 per cent win rate, having secured 19 victories from 54 matches. The club now faces a quick turnaround ahead of its Anzac Day fixture against the Roosters, with a new coaching direction expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.