According to 3AW’s Neil Mitchell, the 39-year old has already been informed that he has coached his final game, with assistant Daniel Giansiracusa to take over for the Bombers’ final game of the season, against Richmond on Saturday night.
The rumours come as 7 News’ Tom Browne has reported that president Paul Brasher, a strong backer of Rutten throughout his tenure, has offered his resignation, following the Bombers’ terrible 2022 season.
The board is set to meet on Monday to determine Rutten’s fate, having already convened less than 24 hours early, before the Dons’ disastrous 84-point loss to Port Adelaide.
Rutten is currently contracted to the end of 2023.
The club have been conducting an internal review since midway through the season, with Brasher adamant in May that Rutten would ‘definitely not’ be removed as coach.
Having made finals in 2021 in Rutten’s first year at the helm, the Bombers have gone backwards this season, reaching rock bottom against the Power.
With four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson hovering in the background, linked to but not yet confirmed as North Melbourne coach, the Bombers are reported to be seriously considering a last-minute play to lure him to Windy Hill.
Prior to taking the senior role, Rutten was designated a year out as John Worsfold’s replacement, setting into motion a controversial coaching succession plan throughout 2020.
The Bombers sit 15th on the ladder with one round to go, having managed just seven wins for the season.
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