KEY POINTS:
Those expecting John Wright to walk straight into the position left vacant by John Bracewell next season should be advised to hold all tickets.
Assuming Wright applies for the position - and there is no guarantee of that seeing he has a well-paid job with New Zealand Cricket that doesn't require excessive touring - he might find that he is a fall-back option rather than first choice.
New Zealand Cricket is expected to cast its net far and wide in search of a mentor who can build on the good work of Bracewell in limited-overs cricket and take New Zealand to another level in tests. Bracewell gave a year's notice, essentially to end speculation when he talked with counties here in England about his future.
To that end chief executive Justin Vaughan would be mad not to put a call in to West Australian Tom Moody.
The 42-year-old would, along with Wright, John Buchanan and Duncan Fletcher, be the best-credentialled coach not currently involved in international cricket. The advantage he has over those three is youth and almost universal endorsements from all who have played under him.
There is, of course, no guarantee Moody would take the job even if it were offered. He turned down what would have been a far more lucrative deal with India after he quit Sri Lanka following the World Cup.
Instead he chose to return home to Perth and coach Western Australia, no doubt with a view to coaching his country some time in the future.
Buchanan might be more likely to see New Zealand as a challenge to be enjoyed. His high-tech, analytical and innovative approach would be in direct contrast to the "back to basics" ethos espoused by Wright.
One problem with the appointment of Moody or Buchanan is that it implies a lack of faith in the coaching pathways set up in New Zealand, but for your flagship team at the top end of the sport that should be of minor consideration only.
Of those coaching at first-class level, Mark O'Donnell has the best record but clearly hurt his chances last season when he picked James Anderson, effectively playing the Englishman into form before the pivotal second test. That raised Vaughan's ire and will not be forgotten.
Mike Hesson is young and has impressed at Otago but it is probably too soon for him.
The work of Aussie Anthony Stuart is highly regarded in Wellington while Andy Moles has been seen as something of a revelation at Northern Districts.
Canterbury's South African coach Dave Nosworthy has been involved with the "A" tours suggesting that NZC sees him as a candidate for the test side.
In the end an appointments panel might decide that Wright is the right man. Certainly he would be the sentimental choice and the drums will beat loudly for him.
But don't pencil it in yet.
