Des Hasler insists he will be in charge of Canterbury next season, after the Bulldogs finished their season with three straight victories.
Hasler's men had nothing to play for but fought back late against a desperate St George Illawarra on Sunday, to finish 11th with a 26-20 victory.
This season marked the first time since Hasler's rookie year in 2004 he has missed the finals, amid calls for the two-time premiership winning coach's six-year stint at the Bulldogs to come to an end.
But when asked whether the end-of-season form showed why he was the man for the Bulldogs' job, Hasler was resolute in response.
"Well, I've got a contract with them for two more years, so why wouldn't I think that?" Hasler asked.
The Bulldogs' final three victories were easily their best attacking performances of the year.
They scored 82 of their 360 points in the final three rounds, or 22.7 per cent of their total season tally from 24 games.
Sunday's win also came despite finishing with just one man on the bench, as Josh Reynolds, Michael Lichaa and James Graham each suffered injuries.
"I think the last few weeks we have been pretty strong," Hasler said.
"The way we did it, particularly when we were down, the come back and score tries - with 16 over the past three weeks, that's not bad. It's pretty good.
"We've managed possession a lot better. We've taken the right options which is good."
Hasler's future ahead of February's board election is one of just several questions which must be answered at Belmore over the off-season.
The club is desperate to get under the likely $9.4 million salary cap figure, with big-money signings Kieran Foran and Aaron Woods set to arrive.
Brett and Josh Morris are among those reported to been shopped around, while James Graham has been closely linked to the Dragons.
The Bulldogs captain dodged questions about his future on Sunday, but Dragons coach Paul McGregor indicated he would be a welcome addition to the Saints if the deal was confirmed.
"He's a current international. He's inspiration in the way he plays and he's very passionate in what he does. But at the moment it's only speculation," McGregor said.
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