North Melbourne senior coach Rhyce Shaw has been granted extended leave from his role for personal reasons, the club has confirmed.
The announcement follows weeks of uncertainty surrounding Shaw's health and future as North Melbourne coach.
"We have been acutely aware of speculation regarding our head coach, but we have not been in a position to say anything as we are respecting the wishes of Rhyce and his family," North Melbourne Chairman Ben Buckley said in a members letter.
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"Rhyce has asked for some time and space away from football and we have provided him support during this period.
"We thank the media for their ongoing cooperation and trust they understand we can’t make further comment at this time.
"In the meantime, we will forge ahead. From a Board perspective, our decision-making centres around one ambition: how we can build a team and a football program that will win our fifth flag.
While Shaw has been guaranteed a position at the club if and when he returns to Arden Street, AFL.com reports it would not be as senior coach.
With the club weighing up contingencies around Shaw's position as he takes time away from the game, it's reported the club could hand the reigns to Swans assistant coach John Blakey, who will move to the Roos this post-season.
AFL.com also reports former Lions coach and Port Adelaide assistant Michael Voss is another option the club will consider, while premiership-winning coach Paul Roos is also on the club's radar for a leadership and mentoring role.
It comes following a year to forget for Shaw and the Roos, who finished the 2020 regular season in 17th spot after winning just three games.
Shaw was elevated from interim coach to full-time head coach midway through last season after the club parted ways with Brad Scott in round 11.
