Daryl Gibson's coaching gig at the Waratahs is safe but it's not clear for how long, following CEO Andrew Hore's assurances they weren't going to hang the former All Black out to dry.
The Sydneysiders' dreadful 2017 has seen them claim just two wins from eight matches. Their Super Rugby season hit a new low on Saturday night following a loss to perennial strugglers the Southern Kings.
With the losses and their position at ninth on the table heaping pressure on Gibson, Hore told the Daily Telegraph it wasn't right to throw the coach under the bus whilst there were other factors at play.
"Don't hang out one bloke for what is a number of issues both external and internal variables that we need to change, don't hold one man accountable for all of that, that's not right," Hore said.
"This isn't an easy time for anybody in the organisation. We are really comfortable that issues have been identified that need to be put right for what we believe will lead to better performance and we have a lot of faith that Daryl is the right man to drive those changes forward."
Hore's comments come in the wake of former Wallabies coach Alan Jones calling for Gibson's head on the back of the Waratahs' poor form.
But the pledge of full support from the Waratahs may be the kiss of death for Gibson, who could struggle to see the year out if the team continues to underperform.
While the 42-year-old said he wouldn't worry about what the future held, he conceded he had to be liable for the team's poor season to date.
"Absolutely I still back myself, 100 percent I expect to cop criticism right now because I'm responsible for the team's performance," Gibson said.
"And I'm acutely aware that I can't control what may happen in future, and I'm certainly not going to worry about that outcome.
"My job is to keep firmly on the present, focus in on the team's performance, particularly in a week we're going up against our most traditional rival."
If Gibson was to get the chop, there are a number of coaching positions becoming available in New Zealand next year with the likes of Highlanders' head coach Tony Brown heading overseas at season's end.
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