Irish coaches and coaches in Ireland

Just struck me that there is a plethora of brilliant Irish coaches around at the minute as well as other coaches in Ireland (Joe Schmidt) who are performing brilliantly; not just at the provinces or in the Rabo, but in the Aviva Premiership as well.

A quick run down of who I'm talking about:

Brian McLaughlin (Ulster)
As head coach of Ulster he has brought Ulster into the knockout stages of the Heineken Cup for the second consecutive season. Working closely with David Humphreys he has built a very impressive squad with talk of more to come and many suggesting that Ulster are joining Europe's elite.

Joe Schmidt (Leinster)
The New Zealander arrived from Clermont Auvergne were he was attack coach and won the Heineken Cup with Leinster in his first season as not only Leinster head coach but his first job as head coach anywhere, Leinster are also bookies favourites to win it again this year. He is known for an attack orientated style making him a popular choice to succeed Declan Kidney as the next Ireland head coach.

Tony McGahan (Munster)
Was a key part of Munster's 2006 and 2008 Heineken Cup victories as defence and backs coach. This season he has led Munster into the Heineken Cup knockout stages as the only unbeaten team with an impressive 6 wins from 6 in a very tough pool. Could go all the way again.

Michael Bradley (Edinburgh)
Left Connacht last season after a successful spell working with very limited resources and personnel. This season was his first in charge of Edinburgh and he has led them into the knockout stages of the Heineken Cup for the first time in 8 years, with a home quarter final I might add.

Mark McCall (Saracens)
Has led the Saracens into the knockout stages this season as the only English club making the cut. He also won the Aviva Premiership in his first season in charge, also picked up a Magners/Rabo title as head coach of Ulster in 2006 - seems to have a knack for getting his teams over the finishing line.

Conor O'Shea (Harlequins)
Despite just missing out on Heineken Cup qualification, O'Shea's Harlequins took the Aviva Premiership by surprise this season and are still in 1st place. Had a great run in the HC including beating Toulouse in France.

So, if Kidney does go, and I'm not for a minute calling for his head and the Six Nations is going to be crucial for Kidney (as mentioned in Secret's post) But its hard to believe how many great coaches we have coming through, especially after the O'Sullivan years.

Who would you want as the next Ireland Head Coach? I'm going for Schmidt.

Schmidt wouldn't take the job.

Kidneys contract is until 2013 anyone know when its up? is it after the 6 nations?

It will be Mike Ruddock. The IRFU always keep it in house.