Frank Hadden could be offered another role within the Scottish Rugby Union after losing his job as Scotland head coach.

The 54-year-old former school teacher's four years in charge came to an end following a meeting of the SRU board yesterday in which the country's performance at the recent RBS 6 Nations was dissected.

Hadden was effectively a dead man walking after failing to meet the SRU's minimum requirement of two Six Nations wins per season for the second successive year.

The search has already begun for his replacement, with former England head coach Andy Robinson - currently in charge of Edinburgh - the early front-runner.

But Hadden's future is more unclear as he was set to continue discussions over a future role at the SRU.

Whether that involves coaching or a move to a managerial position remains to be seen but it appears his bosses are keen not to dispense of his services altogether.

SRU chief executive Gordon McKie said of Hadden's departure: "It was agreed with Frank Hadden that a change in head coach is required to allow us to plan fully for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

"On behalf of the board, I have thanked Frank for his hard work and commitment during his term as national coach."

It was a sad end for Hadden, who was adamant to the last that Scotland had the players capable of challenging for the Six Nations title but were handicapped by the lack of preparation time for Test matches compared to their rivals.

Former Scotland and Lions flanker Finlay Calder was among the first to react to his departure.
He said: "I am sorry to hear the news but its understandable as he has found himself under enormous pressure.

"He has come under sometimes unwarranted criticism and I feel for him. I hope he has come to this decision himself and wish him luck.

"It is very hard to know who might replace him as there is not exactly a queue of people lining up.
"I very much hope that Andy Robinson and (Glasgow head coach) Sean Lineen might consider the position as they are both doing well with their professional teams.

"I am disappointed for Frank and feel it is not a good day for Scottish Rugby."

Hadden ultimately paid the price for distinct lack of progress in terms of results.

He enjoyed a dream start to life in the hotseat following the disastrous reign of Matt Williams, who was sacked in April 2005 after winning just three of his 17 matches in charge.

Former Edinburgh boss Hadden initially took over on an interim basis but wins against the Barbarians and Romania secured him the job permanently.

It got better when victory over France, England - their first Calcutta Cup win for six years - and Italy saw Scotland finish third in Hadden's debut Six Nations.

That really was as good as it got, however, as Hadden lost 21 of his next 32 Tests.

Scotland finished the 2007 Six Nations with the wooden spoon after a humiliating home defeat to Italy, scraped into the World Cup quarter-finals before losing to Argentina, and just only managed to avoid bottom spot in the Six Nations last year on points difference.

Another famous win against England papered over the cracks, and a first ever Test victory in Argentina later that summer was a notable achievement.

More defeats followed and the 26-12 Calcutta Cup loss at Twickenham almost two weeks ago was Scotland's 12th in their last 16 matches, a record only Williams could envy.