ARN Coach of the Year 2015

It might seem logical that our coaching nominees come from sides nominated for our Team of the Year award, but the names below didn’t just lead winning sides, they re-shaped them. There were others that were worthy of recognition as well – names like Graeme Moffat of the Wolf Pack and Wallabies forwards coach Mario Ledesma – but ultimately it was these four below that we felt topped the pool.

HONOURABLE MENTION

It’s not often you find a tight five forward coaching 7s rugby at any level, let alone international rugby. John Tait has always been a standout in that regard, both figuratively a literally. He was a unique athlete as a player and is certainly a unique coach. Technically astute with a calm demeanor, the towering Canadian has guided the Women’s 7s side to a second place finish on the HSBC Series, a first ever Cup win, a Pan-Am title, and the all-important spot in the Olympics.

Best known as one of the game’s sweetest strikers of the ball, Gonzalo Quesada‘s prolific kicking ability overshadowed his tactical nous. Indeed his first coaching appointment was as France’s kicking guru, and his climb to the position of head coach at one of Europe’s largest clubs has been extraordinary. In only two seasons in charge he has taken Stade Français from 10th spot to Top 14 champions. Quesada’s approach is thorough and professional, and he displays unusual restraint for a coach based in the emotionally-charged French capital of Paris. His leadership skills will be tested again after a turbulent start to the 2015-16 season.

There were questions asked when Daniel Hourcade was hastily installed as Pumas head coach in October 2013 following the resignation of Santiago Phelan. There are no such questions now. The Argentine maestro had turned his nation’s side into one of the world’s best, guiding them to a World Cup semi-final and a first ever victory over the Springboks – on South Africa soil no less – in a terrific 2015 season. An entertaining win over the Barbarians was just a victory lap for one of the world’s leading coaches.

THE WINNER

Charismatic and combative, Mike Friday‘s energy has ignited a US Eagles side long thought to be punching below their potential. Almost from day one, he has completely revamped the program – named Madison Hughes captain, introduced Perry Baker and Matai Leuta, and demanded world-class performance from players like Danny Barrett and Maka Unufe. In one season the Eagles jumped from 13th to 6th in the world, earned their first ever Cup final win, and qualified for the Olympics. For leading his team to unprecedented heights and inspiring a nation, Mike Friday is our 2015 Coach of the Year.