The dust has settled on Richard Agar's departure as Leeds Rhinos head coach and the focus now turns to his successor. The search for a new candidate has begun with a global search set to take place.
You suspect the Rhinos might have already had a replacement in mind. It's no secret that a succession plan had been drawn up that would see Agar move into an administrative role at some point in the future. As such, it's fair to assume some form of shortlist had been drawn up, physically or mentally, for when the day arrived.
Of course, the Rhinos never had plans to make that change six weeks into the campaign. As such, the process might prove more complex. The availability of coaches mid-season isn't high. Finding an employer willing to part ways with a member of their coaching staff is slim. Leeds will have their work cut out to get their first choice straight away.
The qualities the Rhinos will be looking for are understandable. A coach with a track record of successfully developing young players is essential for a club dependent on their Academy producing players. A coach who knows the British game is undoubtedly favourable and will be fresh in the mind of Gary Hetherington after the unsuccessful and short era of Dave Furner. Finally, a coach who is confident of delivering success with the current squad will be needed. Leeds aren't flush with salary cap space and there won't be an ability to oversee a huge turnover of players at the end of the year either. The new coach will have to accept that roster changes will not be immediate.
Of course, finding someone who ticks all of those boxes will not be easy. It's a process that could take time. Only, Leeds don't necessarily have a great deal of time to turn their fortunes around.
That will ultimately depend on whether Jamie Jones-Buchanan can deliver a response from his players. The Rhinos hierarchy needs time and an upturn in results will buy them that. A continuation of their current form will result in a more urgent need to make a decision.
Hetherington insisted that their appointment would be made with long-term thinking behind it. But if their poor form continues, time won't be on their side.
