The financial consequences of playing in the semi-professional second-tier Championship will be significant and what often happens in these situations is that clubs have a deep review and then a massive clean out.
Coventry is a realist and knows his position is vulnerable.
"I know we haven't been winning games and people think that the whole place is poison and everything's falling apart. It's just not like that," he told the BBC last week.
"To be honest, they're [the players] a pretty good bunch to be involved with.
"We're just working hard as a team that's probably struggling for confidence and form."
The options for Coventry would be: wait to see if he can hang on to his job with Irish - but find himself coaching at a level miles lower than Super Rugby - or be proactive, assume the worst and apply for the jobs at the Highlanders and Crusaders.
Some may see it as returning home early with his tail between his legs, but his overseas quest was about gaining experience to strengthen his case to be a Super Rugby head coach.
Despite what has happened in England, Coventry would be a strong candidate for both the Highlanders and Crusaders.
He knows Super Rugby well, having been an integral part of the Chiefs set-up between 2012 and 2015. He is a creative thinker yet simple and clear communicator.
At the Highlanders he would fit in easily alongside assistants Tony Brown and Scott McLeod, who have both signed extensions. Coventry is all about doing the basics well, getting the set piece right and being physical across the park.
They are values incumbent Jamie Joseph has instilled within the players.
As for the Crusaders, they haven't been prepared to consider coaches who don't have a previous playing link with the region, but Coventry has a CV and philosophy that could make them reconsider
