The Wests Tigers are about to do it again.
Multiple reports indicate that the Wests Tigers are about to relieve Michael Maguire of his role as coach of the club.
The old 'fire the coach' quick fix.
The very same quick fix that has failed to propel the Tigers to the finals for a literal decade now.
Why the Tigers would remove a premiership-winning coach without an obvious replacement option standing above the rest is a question for another time but it did kick-off some thinking.
Who is the next cab off the ranks when it comes to the next NRL coach?
Craig Fitzgibbon has long been the assistant coach chased by multiple clubs and offered a full-time first grade coaching job.
Now that he has committed his future to the Sharks, who does it leave?
Below are five options I believe are ready to step either up, or back into, a first grade coaching gig. Potentially even the Tigers top job
4. 4. Dean Young
I was really shocked when Dean Young signed to join the Cowboys as an assistant. After finishing the 2020 season caretaker coach for the Dragons I thought a full time gig was next.
Young will coach an NRL side in the not too distant future. I have him just behind Ciraldo and Ryles although one could argue that might mean he is less picky.
The Tigers aren't going to have the pick of the litter given their results, squad and the fact they keep sacking coaches.
Young has shown he can coach at the top level in tough situations. His win rate of two from seven is terrible but given the circumstances he was forced into, any win at all is hard to believe.
The former Dragon legend is a first grade coach in the making. It may not be right away but he may jump the queue if the situation is right.
