Former title-winning mentor Michael Cheika seems an obvious target as the NSW Waratahs hunt for a new coach after parting ways with Dan McKellar following two underwhelming Super Rugby Pacific seasons.
The Rugby Australia-owned franchise has accepted McKellar's resignation with a year left on his contract after the ex-Super Rugby AU-winning Brumbies coach and Wallabies assistant was unable to guide the star-studded Waratahs to the finals.
The Wallabies-laden Tahs finished eighth this year after winning only five of 13 games, the same position as in McKellar's first season at the helm with six victories in 2025.
McKellar was forced to front the club's board last week to explain the disappointing 2026 campaign, which also led to the Waratahs letting attack coach Mike Catt go.
McKellar took over from Darren Coleman after Australian rugby's perennial under achievers claimed the wooden spoon in 2024, having made the finals the two previous seasons under Coleman.
Even after watching his team suffer a second loss of the season to the Western Force last month in the final round, McKellar remained committed and optimistic about reviving the Tahs' fortunes.
"I'm contracted for next year and I certainly don't want to worry about that sort of stuff," he said about any reservations about continuing in the role.
"You've just got to roll with the punches. Times like this make the good times feel even better, and they'll come.
"We've got a group here that are buying into what we want to do. Nothing changes from my end.
"I'm in this for the long haul, and we'll enjoy a beer together and reflect on the season, and then I'll quickly get to work around turning things around for '27."
Instead he is finishing up after the Waratahs remained the most inconsistent team in the competition on McKellar's watch.
During his tenure, the side recorded memorable wins over the ladder-leading Chiefs and a first victory over the Brumbies in Canberra in a decade.
But too often the Tahs would follow up a great performance with a frustrating one.
"I step away knowing I have given my all to help turn the Waratahs' fortunes around over the last two seasons," McKellar said in a statement on Monday
"As a coaching group, we have all worked incredibly hard to drive positive and necessary change.
"I'd like to thank Dan Palmer, Locky McCaffrey, Mike Catt and Tom Carter for their hard work and support. I'd also like to thank captain Matt Philip for his support.
"As this journey for the Waratahs continues, I wish all the players and staff the very best for the future."
Defence coach Locky McCaffrey will coach the Waratahs in the Super Rugby AU competition in September, but the board is likely to opt for a more experienced operator to succeed McKellar in 2027.
Cheika, on a one-year deal as assistant at the NRL's Sydney Roosters, led the Waratahs to their one and only Super Rugby crown in 2014.
Other potential candidates include former Wallabies and Waratahs back-rower Stephen Hoiles, who is presently coaching California Legion in Major League Rugby, and Eddie Jones' long-time trusted assistant Scott Wisemantel.
