The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are set to shake up their football program with NSW Cup coach Jason Taylor leaving Belmore after this season.
Fresh News Corp reports reveal Bulldogs boss Phil Gould informed Taylor the club will be moving in another coaching direction, with former Bulldog forward Josh Jackson taking over the helm of the reserve grade side.
Taylor previously worked as an assistant under Cameron Ciraldo for 2024 and 2025, while also having previous head coaching experience at the Wests Tigers, Parramatta Eels and South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Former Knights coach Adam O'Brien stepped into Belmore this season and replaced Taylor as the attacking coach of the NRL side, pushing him to NSW Cup duties for the blue and white.
”I raised the topic a few weeks ago with Gus, and he told me that the club was going to bring in Josh Jackson as NSW Cup coaching role, which I can understand,” Taylor told News Corp.
“That's rugby league. You don't expect those conversations to be too fluffy."
Taylor was full of praise for the opportunity at the Bulldogs, and will now turn his attention to finding a new role for 2027.
“I really enjoyed my time at the Bulldogs,” the former North Sydney Bear added.
“There is a great playing group there.
"I've got 25 years' experience at NRL and NSW Cup coaching level.
“I've got plenty more years left in me. It would be great if something could come along.”
It is the second shake-up to the NSW Cup coaching ranks this week, with the Manly Sea Eagles confirming on Monday David Penna will return to the club as the reserve grade coach.
It meant former NRL star Brett Kimmorley will make way after his 2026 stint on the Northern Beaches.
Jackson shapes up as a quality inclusion to Ciraldo's staff, boasting NSW Blues Under-19s coaching experience while also previously coaching the Bulldogs Jersey Flegg outfit in 2024.
Earning his place as a life member of the Bulldogs, Jackson played 241 games for the club and received the NSW Blues call-up in State of Origin on nine occasions.
Known for his strong defensive efforts and strong leadership qualities, Jackson has the assets to become a long-term coach in an NRL system.
The Bulldogs NSW Cup side finished seventh in 2026, recording 11 wins and 10 losses in their campaign but missing the finals.
