In a stunning development this afternoon, Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary has tendered his resignation, effective immediately, citing personal and family reasons.
Cleary, 55, informed club officials in writing late today that he will be stepping down from his role after a decade-long coaching career highlighted by multiple premiership victories with the Panthers.
โIt has been the greatest honour of my life to coach this group of players,โ Cleary wrote in his resignation letter. โHowever, after deep reflection and long discussions with my family, I have decided to step back from the pressures of professional coaching to focus on our wellbeing and health.โ
Family Considerations Behind Decision
Sources close to Cleary say the coach has been grappling with balancing the demands of elite-level coaching with family commitments. A close friend told Panthers Daily News that Clearyโs spouse and children have encouraged him to take time out from the relentless NRL schedule.
โFamily comes first,โ the source said. โIvan loves the game, but thereโs a genuine need at home for his presence.โ
Club Reaction
Panthers CEO [Fictional Name] released the following statement:
โWe are deeply grateful for Ivanโs leadership, vision, and passion. His legacy at Penrith is enduring. While we respect his decision, he will be dearly missed by the entire Panthers family.โ
The club has confirmed that assistant coach [Fictional Assistant] will take on interim head coaching duties while the Panthers board begins a formal search for a new head coach.
Player Responses
Several Panthers players took to social media to express gratitude:
โThanks for everything, Cleary โ a true legend,โ wrote Panthers captain [Fictional Name].
Forward [Fictional Name] added: โCoach always had our backs โ weโll keep fighting for him.โ
Premiership Pedigree
Under Clearyโs guidance, the Panthers became one of the most consistently successful clubs in the NRL, securing premierships in [years fictional] and setting a standard for excellence.
Whatโs Next?
The Panthers board says a national and international search for the next head coach is underway, with interviews scheduled to begin next week. Fans are expected to rally behind the team as it transitions into a new era.
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