WEST Coast's hierarchy were not surprised by coach John Worsfold's decision to resign on Thursday but have not begun searching for a replacement, according to chairman Alan Cransberg and chief executive Trevor Nisbett.
There had been speculation surrounding Worsfold's contract extension following a dismal season for the Eagles, but after 12 years at the helm the 44-year-old stepped aside sighting a lack of desire to continue.
"I was surprised, but I wasn't surprised, if that makes sense to you," Cransberg said.
"You can rationalise it either way.
"When I talked to him this morning and 'Nis' (Nisbett) talked to him he was in a good frame of mind and he's making the decision for the right reason."
Nisbett, like Cransberg, says he was not shocked by the decision.
"I just see how hard he works and the time and effort it takes to coach a senior football team does take its toll.
"It's uncompromising, and you have to give it everything."
Cransberg insisted the board had not sounded out any other coaches prior to Worsfold's resignation on Thursday.
"It's really important to note that it would be very disrespectful to John if we were out there shopping around for coaches," Cransberg said.
"We had not finished our own board processes when he made his announcement.
"We are right at the start now and we will put together a process."
Cransberg and Nisbett refused to speculate on a replacement for Worsfold with the Eagles now the fourth AFL club without a coach for the 2014 season alongside Melbourne, Essendon and the Brisbane Lions.
However Cransberg believed there would be a number of quality candidates and had faith in the club's ability to secure the perfect candidate.
"We're a club that makes sure it is a very careful process to make sure we get the right person to lead us forward," Cransberg said.
"I think there will be a few people who would like to coach West Coast."
The Eagles lost strategies and innovations coach Phillip Walsh earlier in the week after he elected to move back to South Australia.
Nisbett would not speculate on any further movement within the football department.
"We'll have a look at it and reassess where we're at and what we have to do," Nisbett said.
"Certainly our priority will be finding a senior coach, and obviously the senior coach has influence over other appointments within the department, particularly from a coaching point of view.
"Most of our other staff will be with us, and it will just depend in what roles. It's a critical time for us, but we're up for that."
The club has also announced five retirements from the playing list. Nisbett did allude to a sixth player, which suggests that Daniel Kerr may have already retired despite no formal announcement on his future as yet.
"There'll be some turnover of players. As you've already seen we've lost six players already," Nisbett said.
Nisbett says Worsfold's decision gives the Eagles the opportunity to make a fresh start.
"It does give us that and John's aware of that too," Nisbett said.
"He thinks that. He thinks it's time. It does give us the opportunity to try some new things."
