Batting star Brendon McCullum would support some sort of Black Caps job-share arrangement as long as the prospective coaches were committed to lifting the standards.
McCullum is in India playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL and told the Otago Daily Times he was taken aback by Black Caps coach John Wright's decision to step down after the tour of the West Indies.
"I was surprised by it, because I honestly thought he was going to stay on and that things would have been resolved contractually, and that they would have found a middle ground.
"But it wasn't to be.
"Wrighty was great for this team. I really enjoyed his coaching style and what he taught us.
"Now I guess it is about making sure whoever takes over gets our support."
McCullum described the search for Wright's replacement as a "pivotal time" and he hoped New Zealand Cricket had learned from past mistakes and would not rush into making an appointment.
He also hoped the organisation would scour the country before casting the net further afield.
"It seems to be harder to get promoted from within our organisation than it does from outside.
I hope they do look at New Zealand first and make some decisions from there.
"... we have to make sure the appointment is right."
McCullum is biased - he is "close mates" with former Otago coach Mike Hesson, but he firmly believes Hesson, who this week announced he was quitting as Kenya coach, could make the step up, and he would like to see him get that opportunity.
"I know he was disappointed not to be able to see out his Kenya contract.
"But if he is given the opportunity to take over the head job, then I'm sure he'd do an outstanding job."
Wellington coach Jamie Siddons is being reported as one of the frontrunners but there is a possibility the role could be shared.
Perhaps John Buchanan's role as national director of cricket will be redefined. He could end up overseeing the coaching staff in a similar way to a British football manager.
McCullum said he had not been party to any discussions but he would not be opposed to a reorganisation of the role.
"It would seem to make sense, with the schedule in modern-day cricket. These days it is brutal and equally as brutal on coaching and support staff as well.
"It certainly would not bother me if the coaching jobs were split, as long as the No 1 priority is the New Zealand cricket team and trying to improve our performances across the board."
Rotation appears the way forward for the players, as well.
McCullum is being rested and will miss the twenty/20 and one-day phase of the West Indies' tour.
"They've identified a long-term plan, very much in consultation with us ... about identifying opportunities to give you a break.
"I guess it just happens that I'm the first one.
"I'm understanding of it. Obviously, I always want to play but with the schedule we've got coming up it is not realistic to be able to play in every series.
"And with the 2015 world cup in mind, it is also a chance to give guys opportunities to create some depth."
Meanwhile, McCullum said the IPL, which is in its fifth year, was enjoying a bumper season after a disappointing year in 2011.
"We had 80-odd thousand the other day at Eden Gardens and last night we had a full house, as well."
The Knight Riders went to the top of the competition table with a good win against the Delhi Daredevils earlier this week.
McCullum scored 58 from 44 deliveries.
"We're ticking along quite well at the moment. We've had some tough games and come out on top."
