THE FATE OF RECENT SOCCEROO HEAD COACHES:
* FRANK FARINA (1999-2005): Plenty of highs, including finishing third at the 2001 Confederations Cup and beating England 3-1 in 2003 in London. These were undone by losing to Uruguay in the final stage of 2002 World Cup qualification. Was shown the door after three losses in the 2005 Confederations Cup.
* GUUS HIDDINK (2005-06): Arguably Australia's most-successful coach, helping end a 32-year absence from the World Cup in 2006 thanks to a playoff win over Uruguay. Took the Socceroos past the group stage in Germany after a win over Japan, loss to Brazil and draw with Croatia. Knocked out by Italy in the round of 16.
* GRAHAM ARNOLD (2006-07): A long-time assistant, he was thrust into the top job after Hiddink's exit for a brief 14-game stint, including an underwhelming quarter-final finish at the 2007 Asian Cup.
* PIM VERBEEK (2007-10): Guided the side through successful World Cup and Asian Cup qualification campaigns, but endured rumours of player unrest at South Africa 2010 after missing the second stage due to a 4-0 loss to Germany. Announced his decision to quit before the tournament.
* HOLGER OSIECK (2010-13): German Osieck was sacked after consecutive 6-0 losses to Brazil and France eight months out from the 2014 World Cup. Before, he too enjoyed a successful qualification campaign and won more than 50 per cent of games overall.
* ANGE POSTECOGLOU (2013-17): Despite a winless World Cup campaign in Brazil, the former Brisbane and Melbourne Victory coach was praised for taking Australia to the Asian championship the following year. Has walked away from the role despite Australia qualifying for Russia next year after a gruelling campaign.
