NSW Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson isn't disappointed he's been guaranteed just one more season and believes some of the Super Rugby side's biggest stars will also re-sign shortly.
Gibson has hailed the succession planning of the Waratahs administration in appointing club legend Chris Whittaker as their new backs coach, joining retained forwards coach Simon Cron as potential options to take over from him.
Former Wallabies halfback Whittaker replaces backs and attack coach Chris Malone, who's taking up a venture outside rugby.
New Zealander and former All Blacks centre Gibson has coached the Tahs for the past three seasons.
They missed out on the finals in the first two years of his tenure but he oversaw a spectacular resurgence in 2018.
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After finishing 16th on the overall ladder in 2017, NSW won the Australian conference and made it to the semi-finals.
There's an option for Gibson to coach the side again in 2020, with results next year likely to be the determining factor.
"Everything is performance related-and that's the life of a coach, but I'm delighted to extend and potentially have that option," Gibson told AAP.
Gibson was optimistic captain Michael Hooper and star backs Israel Folau and Bernard Foley would decide on their futures soon.
"From what we understand, (the negotiations) are going well," Gibson said.
"With the World Cup looming, all of them would want to be locked down pretty shortly."
Former NSW captain Whittaker amassed more than 100 appearances for his home state as well as winning 31 Test caps.
"His appointment is an excellent one in terms of really starting to get the stability with a view to succession planning," Gibson said.
"Making sure that beyond my tenure that we've got a couple of real genuine head coach potential in Simon Cron and Chris Whittaker potentially lining up there."
Whittaker has spent two years as co-head of French club Montauban and had stints with Stade Francais and Irish club side Leinster.
"Chris's experience has largely been in the northern hemisphere. I really like that diversity he will bring to our coaching staff and the other really important aspect is he's a former Waratahs player," Gibson said.
Whittaker said the knowledge and experience he had gained overseas was great, and it was time to contribute to the state that had given him so much.
"Rugby in Australia is improving and I couldn't pass on the chance to help further develop and grow the potential we have here," Whttaker said.
