The Western Force rugby coach John Mitchell has confirmed he will step down after serving out his current Super 14 contract.
Mitchell, who coached the All Blacks for two years before taking the reins of the Force in time for their debut season of 2006, is contracted to the Perth-based franchise until the end of the 2011 season but won't seek reappointment when that deal expires.
The Force are yet to win a game this year and are rooted to the bottom of the table with just one bonus point to show from five games.
But Mitchell's management, The Fordham Company, claim their client made the decision before the season started.
