Premiership Rugby team Leicester Tigers has split with Dan McKellar after just one season.
The team confirmed McKellar’s departure in a statement, which was labelled a “mutually agreed” decision between the two parties.
Multiple reports have linked former Argentina and Australia head coach Michael Cheika to the team.
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McKellar joined the Tigers in February last year as Steve Borthwick’s replacement, who became England’s head coach in the wake of Eddie Jones being sacked.
Former Argentina head coach Michael Cheika during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Gaspafotos/MB Media via Getty Images
The Tigers finished eighth this year with nine wins and nine losses.
In a UK Telegraph report, it was said McKellar presented his long-term vision to the club who weren’t entirely convinced.
McKellar’s departure comes just weeks after the team confirmed Peter Hewat, Matt Parr, and Dan Palmer as part of the coaching staff.
A club statement read: “Leicester Tigers can confirm the departure of Dan McKellar from his role as Head Coach with immediate effect.
Dan McKellar, former Leicester Tigers head coach. David Rogers via Getty Images
“The decision has been mutually agreed following extensive discussions regarding the club’s future direction.
“McKellar joined Tigers in July 2023 from the Wallabies – where he was Assistant Coach for the Australian national side – and oversaw 30 games at Tigers, in all competitions, during the 23/24 campaign.
“The club has commenced the process for finding a new Head Coach to lead the men’s programme into the 24/25 season. Pre-season training for the men’s players not on international duty commences on July 1 at Oval Park.
“We thank Dan for his contribution to Leicester Tigers and wish him, Carla, Amelie and Maya well for the future.”
News that Cheika could replace McKellar comes just days after reports he had been overlooked by the Parramatta Eels to coach the NRL team.
Josh Hannay and Jason Ryles are reportedly frontrunners for that job, although Dean Young has emerged as a late contender.
Where McKellar goes after his one-year stint with the Tigers will be keenly observed with a return to Super Rugby Pacific an obvious option with the NSW Waratahs.