Foundation coach Wayne Bennett has vowed to see out his Brisbane contract next year after being told the 2019 NRL season will be his last at the Broncos helm.
Brisbane ended months of speculation when the board confirmed they had knocked back Bennett's request for a 2020 extension and that next year would draw the curtain on the coach's glittering Broncos career.
There was speculation Bennett may walk away if his request to coach one more year was denied but the seven-time premiership winner said he would be holding the 2019 reins.
"Having the decision made now puts an end to speculation and allows a clear focus on getting ready for next season," Bennett said in a statement.
"I firmly believe in the playing group we have here at the club."
Former Brisbane captain Justin Hodges said it was the "right decision" to cut ties with the 68-year-old, who will hold the Broncos reins for a 26th and final season next year.
"The board have made a strong stance and I think it is about time we move onto a different coach and try new things," Hodges told Fox Sports' NRL 360.
"I don't know which coach they are going to go for but whoever comes up has got to understand the Broncos are a massive club, expectations are high so we will need a strong coach to follow in the footsteps of Wayne Bennett.
"He's been a wonderful servant for the club. Hopefully the boys dig in for him next year and send him out on the right note."
Bennett had reportedly tabled a proposal to retain the reins in 2020 before moving into a Broncos football director role with current assistant Jason Demetriou as new head coach.
But Broncos chairman Karl Morris said on Tuesday he and Bennett had "agreed" that the master coach would see out his current contract to the end of 2019.
"The club will work through a thorough process, led by chief executive Paul White, to identify and select a coach for the 2020 season and beyond," Morris said.
The announcement calls a truce between Bennett and the Broncos board.
They fell out this year after Bennett criticised the club for what he believed was a lack of a succession plan.
Bennett admitted the constant speculation about his future had affected his team, which finished sixth and was thrashed 48-18 by St George Illawarra at home in their opening elimination final.
Broncos boss White said the NRL club was in "no rush" to find a replacement for the man who has masterminded all six of the club's premierships.
"We are in no rush to find the next coach of this club and we have been clear on that for the past year," White said.
South Sydney's Anthony Seibold, Michael Maguire and ex-Brisbane captain Kevin Walters have already been linked to the Broncos job.
Brisbane failed to lure Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy on a big money deal this year and reportedly made an ill-fated play for North Queensland mentor Paul Green.
Australian Associated Press
