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EXCLUSIVE: JOHN Mitchell is eyeing a return to New Zealand to coach the Chiefs again.
The former All Blacks coach is leaving the Western Force at the end of next season and sources in Waikato have told Sunday News he's looking at making a stunning return to Hamilton.
Mitchell told media last week while in New Zealand that he is open to coaching the All Blacks again.
"I've got to earn that right," he said before the Force's clash with the Blues last weekend.
"First and foremost is my job here with the Western Force and I'm committed right through to the end of my contract. After that, New Zealand will be taken into consideration.
"Let's face it, I was disappointed with the World Cup result. I took it personally. But that's just natural. I think I'm a better character and person for that experience."
Sunday News can reveal the wheels are already in motion for all of this to happen.
During Mitchell's stay in Auckland he made a to Hamilton for a meeting with Chiefs CEO Gary Dawson.
"He was looking to see what they've got but one eye is on getting the Chiefs job again," a source said.
Dawson confirmed he met with Mitchell last week.
"I always catch up with Mitch, as I do with Warren Gatland. We always catch up and have a coffee.
"There was nothing in it, and it's the same when Warren is in town and any other Chiefs coach – it's just a courtesy we extend to them.
"There have been a number of people who have expressed an interest in the position.
"It's very early days yet – we've got a lot of work to do. We've got to get through this season first and Fozzie [Ian Foster] is here, of course, next year.
"So we'll work with the NZRU just on the timing of everything but it is early days yet."
Mitchell coached the Chiefs in 2001, where the team finished sixth, and went on to coach the All Blacks later in the year.
While he has mixed results with the Western Force, in the past few weeks has masterminded big wins over the Highlanders and Crusaders. And with the team now over their early season injury crisis, they look a well drilled team with explosive capabilities.
But Mitchell may not be the only big-name coach interested in the Chiefs.
Wales coach Warren Gatland will also be looking for a new job after next years' World Cup and has made no secret of the fact he'd love to coach the Chiefs in the future.
Dawson said it was important to get the timing right on when they appoint a successor for Foster.
"You don't want to leave it too late but you don't want to go too early either. We'll sit with the NZRU and map out the process but we're not anticipating doing that until the end of Super rugby this year."
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-news/s...yes-Chiefs-job