ALAN McCONNELL will not coach Greater Western Sydney's AFLW team next season.
McConnell is in discussions about a new role at the club, having been an integral part of the AFL program since its inception.
He took the AFLW reins at the start of the 2018 season, and finishes with a 16-23-1 record, with the Giants finishing ninth of 14 teams this year, winning four of 10 games.
In a statement released on Friday morning, the Giants said the decision was reached by "mutual agreement" following a "comprehensive review of the 2021 AFLW season".
"Alan’s impact on our AFLW program can’t be overstated," GWS CEO Dave Matthews said.
"He has brought an extremely high level of expertise, experience and insight to our AFLW program and continued to set new standards.
"We’re in discussions with Alan on what the next chapter looks like as a continuation of an already outstanding coaching career."
McConnell said the time was right for something new.
"It's time for me to take on the next challenge, which I’m looking forward to," he said.
"I leave the AFLW head coach role with a huge amount of pride, having learnt and experienced so much over the past five years.
"To have been a part of the formative years of the AFL Women’s competition has been an absolute honour. It’s been a privilege to lead this group of women - I’ve learned so much from them and about myself."
GWS said it would begin the search for a new coach, joining Port Adelaide in the hunt for a senior leader.
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