Marcelo was sacked from his position as head coach of Leicester Tigers with immediate effect for what was perceived by the Board as the greater good of the club.

This shows a readiness of coaches available, and I’d imagine a few of those are of the credentials we'd wish for. So here are the rumours of external options for Head Coach:

Dick Muir - though Springbok assistant coach, Muir is yet to sign a contract with the SARFU which leaves him open to be poached. The Daily Mail says we have "redoubled" our efforts to sign him up but overall does not seem to be a strong contender as only mentioned in the Mail in a passing reference. 

Pat Howard - Paddy as he is more affectionately known was chiefly responsible for the success of Tigers domestic double and 80 minutes off a first ever treble as Head coach in this period. An Ex-player and coach of tigers he is currently a free agent and has been linked with us through Sky Sports.

Daryl Gibson - Gibbo has been linked with us through many sources some say as a backs coach and some say as head coach. I am not sure which capacity he will be brought in as. A great defensive organiser and player when with Tigers - he was quoted saying he wanted to stay on as a coach but was not given this opportunity. Now the opportunity is there again I would be the first to welcome him back as a backs coach... but as a head coach? Lack of experience could well count against him here. A strong candidate for backs coach - but for head coach? 

Jake White - a hot contender according to Sky and BBC, world cup winner White has the coaching credentials to make you drool having worked his way up from schools rugby to head coach of a world cup winning Springboks side. Though never a player White has coached at practically all levels of the game and was linked with the job when Pat Howard decided he was going to call it a day. White is currently on the IRB panel of consultant coaches but it should not be difficult to bring him away from this roll. Probably strongest of the external candidates by some margin. 

The Others - Seeing as Tom mentioned Southern Hemisphere coaches having a think about it and all I can see is Ewan McKenzie who led a Waratahs outfit who were nothing short of abysmal last season to a super 14 final this year. He's been linked with Stade Francais job for a while but could be an option here... though hasn’t been mentioned in any press articles.Internal interviews have been mentioned so there are only 2 real candidates from within: 

Richard Cockerill - Cockers was head coach during the world cup leading us to 4 wins from 6 against tough opposition with a largely depleted squad. Passionate about his rugby though often a bit too passionate was caught off guard making comments about how we weren’t good enough to make the play offs which could count against him. Personally I'm not in favour of an internally appointed head coach either way, but Cockers would probably not get my Vote of the two. 

Neil Back - Mercury has Backy down as the favourite to take over at Welford Road. Neil has shown endless credentials as a player but as defence coach our defence has struggled at stages in the season - though this could be attributed to other aspects of the coaching setup, the blame must rest with Backy. Leicester through and through and will certainly know about the club Ethos and as one of the greatest players the game has seen he will most definitely know a thing or two.

After those there are those mentioned as possible backs coach options: 

Austin Healey - inevitably linked with the club for Backs coach or specialist scrum half role left by Jamie Hamilton. Healey was apparently offered an England job by Ashton just before Ashton himself was fired so obviously someone thinks he has the credentials. Having played 9,10, 14 and 15 he will obviously know how to organise a back line and was a gifted player. His cheeky nature and apparent problems in the past with Cockerill might work against him but these could be ironed out. A Good option overall. 

Daryl Gibson - see above.

Will Greenwood - mentioned in the Daily Mail and by Steve Booth on Radio Leicester’s rugby hour Greenwood was the defensive organiser for England and Tigers in his time here. A great defensive centre with a knack for scoring tries Greenwood, in my opinion, looks to have what it takes to carry it in to coaching.  

Mike Catt - recognised as a preferred option by Paul Ackford in the Telegraph, Catt wishes to have another year to sure-up his credentials before taking on such a prestigious role. Whether that role mentioned is as a backs coach or head coach - I guess we won't know until next season when he has had his year.

Brian Smith - another Ex-tigers player in the running and has a great record at Exiles. Smith is being courted by England and is quoted in the Telegraph as being unavailable as such.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon

Related Articles:

• Where did it all go wrong?
• Not Good Enough

SPORTNETWORK SPECIALS