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#Post#: 151861--------------------------------------------------
Mike Brown on new coaching set up
DIR By: SiB
Date: March 28, 2026, 9:26 am
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Thought this was an interesting view of the changes made, from
Mikes LinkedIn
Having spent so long at Harlequins, I’ll always take an interest
in the decisions being made there, especially given where the
team is from an on-pitch performance perspective.
I try and take the emotion out of it by focusing on a couple of
questions:
- Does this improve performance?
- Does it make the environment better day to day?
There’s no doubt the club has brought in serious experience with
Robbie Deans as Performance Director and Rob Hunter coming in as
Forwards Coach.
On paper, it can work. But it’s never just about the names, it’s
about how it all connects.
Where it could work:
- There’s a clear intent to strengthen leadership. Bringing
someone like Robbie in could add direction and experience at the
top, if it’s implemented properly.
- Gilmore stepping up brings continuity. He should know the
group and the environment, which can count for a lot.
- Bringing in Hunter is a direct response to a clear issue. The
set-piece and forward play hasn’t been where it needs to be, so
that’s being addressed head on.
Where my concerns are:
Clarity:
There are a lot of roles now: Performance Director, GM, Head of
Performance, Head Coach, specialist coaches, Head of
Recruitment…
The best environments I’ve been in are simple. Everyone knows
who’s driving what, and there’s no confusion.
Presence:
Leadership is built every day, around the training ground, in
conversations, in small moments. It can’t be something you dip
in and out of. If your senior leader, in this case Deans, isn’t
there consistently, questions will naturally follow.
Pressure on Gilmore:
It’s a big opportunity, but right now it doesn’t look like it’s
working. His area, defence, is also where the team is struggling
most. In that situation, you need clarity, authority, and
backing from the players to reset things properly. I’d ask, does
he have that?
For me, this is less about the structure itself and more about
what sits underneath it. I’ve been in environments where
everything looks right on paper but doesn’t translate because
there’s no alignment or consistency. I’ve also been in much
simpler setups where everyone is clear, connected, and
accountable. That’s where performance comes from.
This is a huge moment for Quins!
There’s clear intent to move things forward, but is this the
right way to do it?
I’m not sold but we’ll see.
To be successful I think it comes down to three things:
- Alignment
- Consistency
- Whether the players feel it every day
That’s what drives performance. Not job titles or structures,
but what actually happens on the ground.
Let’s see how the players respond today in a huge game for the
club against Bristol.
I’d be Interested to hear what others think…
#Post#: 151934--------------------------------------------------
Re: Mike Brown on new coaching set up
DIR By: FrostAndFire
Date: March 28, 2026, 12:37 pm
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To be fair to Gilmore, today's defence was immense.
#Post#: 151957--------------------------------------------------
Re: Mike Brown on new coaching set up
DIR By: Iamsnakes
Date: March 28, 2026, 1:49 pm
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His Masters of Sport Directorship was obviously a worthwhile
investment....
#Post#: 151962--------------------------------------------------
Re: Mike Brown on new coaching set up
DIR By: FishQuin
Date: March 28, 2026, 2:22 pm
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Very interesting point of view. Thanks for sharing.
#Post#: 151967--------------------------------------------------
Re: Mike Brown on new coaching set up
DIR By: Bloggs
Date: March 28, 2026, 3:12 pm
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It reads like it was written by AI
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