FORMER Blues director of coaching Neil Craig is set to help Gold Coast choose its next coach.
The veteran coach is part of the coaching selection panel announced on Friday that includes club CEO Mark Evans, football manager Marcus Ashcroft, former Western Bulldogs CEO Simon Garlick and experienced psychologist Matti Clements.
Craig announced his resignation from Carlton a fortnight ago and will finish his time at the Blues on Friday.
The 61-year-old's involvement in the selection process is a positive for the Suns as Craig has extensive experience as a coach and has also been through the selection process for senior coaching jobs in recent seasons.
Craig's retirement this season completed a football career that spanned 319 SANFL games and an AFL coaching career that included 166 games as Adelaide coach, including nine finals with the Crows as well as 11 games as interim coach at Melbourne.
He was also fitness coach during the Crows' premiership years and had stints as director of coaching at Melbourne, Essendon and Carlton following an outstanding playing career in the SANFL.
The Suns are expected to look at a range of candidates for the vital position with Dean Solomon, John Barker and Stuart Dew all potential prospects after Collingwood re-appointed Nathan Buckley and North Melbourne extended Brad Scott's contract this week.
Despite their lack of success, they have a young list and a talented goal-to-goal line.
They are expected to look for a coach who can play a role in building the club's connection to the community and each other.
