Most coaches are contracted with their respective franchisees till December 20 but with the India coaching vacancy now up for grabs following confirmation that Wim Koevermans will not continue beyond October when his contract ends, a few ISL coaches have put their hands up, some even throwing their hats in the ring for the job.
"We have got a fair bit of inquiries from coaches around the world. Quite a few coaches from the Indian Super League have applied as well," All India Football Federation (AIFF) general secretary Kushal Das told TOI on Monday.
Das did not disclose the names of coaches who are among the applicants but sources said NorthEast United coach Ricki Herbert, Kerala Blasters assistant coach Trevor Morgan and even Mumbai City FC coach Peter Reid can be counted among those who have been making inquiries about the vacant post.
"I have a contract with Kerala Blasters at the moment. It would be inappropriate for me to make any comments regarding the position of national team coach," said Morgan, who has plenty of admirers in India after doing some wonderful things with East Bengal in the past.
NorthEast United coach Ricki Herbert has the profile to step into the boots of Koevermans having played in the 1982 World Cup for New Zealand and guiding the Kiwis at the World Cup in South Africa 2010. New Zealand, famously, were the only team which bowed out without losing, having drawn all three games in the group stage.
Reid, formerly coach of the Thailand national team, has enough experience of managing in Asia and his coaching stints with England under-21, Manchester City, Leeds United and Sunderland should hold him in good stead should he decide to formally notify the AIFF.
Even Zico, the Brazilian legend now at FC Goa, could consider an offer from the AIFF if the project is appealing, said a source close to the coach.
The AIFF is in no hurry to finalize Koeverman's successor and will take a decision only towards the year end. India do not have any international assignment till next year giving ambitious ISL coaches plenty to look forward to once their engagement in the cash-rich league culminates on December 20.