NSW Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson wants to map out a succession plan as he prepares for a likely exit after the 2020 Super Rugby season, also outlining his vision to stop crippling raids on talent.
Gibson, who took over as head coach from Michael Cheika after the 2015 campaign, has signed a one-year contract extension that runs until the end of the 2020 season.
The former All Blacks centre, who played 19 Tests, is on track to match Ewen McKenzie's record (2004-2008) as the Waratahs' longest-serving head coach.
Regardless of results in the next two seasons, Gibson has declared he plans on finishing up after five seasons in charge.
Rather than nominate a Super title, Gibson highlighted the importance of stability and fighting back in Sydney's code war while detailing the legacy he wants to leave.
"The ideal scenario is that we're vibrant and strong every year, Gibson told reporters.
"No reason we shouldn't be strong every year. Given the talent pool and resources available.
"We need to continue to do a better job of trying to retain all the talent that comes through our schools and clubs pathways, and gets picked off by other codes.
"We're doing a better job of retaining a lot of that. We've seen that with Will Harris ... who was in hot demand with rugby league clubs."
Gibson spent three years at NSW as an assistant coach then was promoted when Cheika took on the pressure-laden top job with the Wallabies.
The 43-year-old, who noted Tuesday's revelation was based on family reasons, hopes there is another seamless transition.
"Hopefully (the Waratahs) have a successor within our own coaching ranks that continues that stability in the club," he said.
NSW came under pressure to sack Gibson during a miserable four-win season in 2017 but his charges fared much better last year, reaching the semi-finals, and look even stronger this year following some key signings.
"We had a couple of dud years, pretty lean results and they stuck with me," he said.
"Now the team is in a reasonable position in terms of depth and talent.
"We're going to go through a period where we've got to rebuild that after the World Cup, if we sustain the losses we believe we will.
"I've been very open that I want to bring the next generation through."
A return home looms as the most obvious step in 2021 but Gibson is keeping his options open.
"It's a very global game. Lots of opportunity ... I'll take wherever it goes and serve rugby," he said.
The Waratahs' Super Rugby campaign kicks off on Saturday night at Brookvale Oval against the Hurricanes.
Australian Associated Press
