If McFadden remains until 2025, he'll set records that may never be broken. The Warriors haven't had a great history with coaches. McFadden is their 10th in 20 years and they've burned through five since 2011.
Of those 10, eight were NRL rookies but only Daniel Anderson and Ivan Cleary had successful stints.
Like Cleary, McFadden arrived with a young family and his children have settled well.
He loves Auckland life, one of the rare resident Australians who doesn't pine for home. He relates well to the different demographics of the playing group and understands the unique culture at the Warriors. And most importantly, he can coach.
"He is one of the best coaches I have had," said Manu Vatuvei. "I see the vision he has for this club to be successful. One of my best coaches was Ivan Cleary and it was hard to see him go. But I see Cappy here for a long time, too, and I hope it works out for him in the next few years."
McFadden, who is contracted until the end of the 2017 season, has a 50 per cent success rate. He has outwitted Craig Bellamy twice and earlier this season took the club (briefly) into the top four for the first time since 2011.
There's no doubt the club's defensive application and training ethic has improved under his watch. He's made mistakes - selecting Glen Fisiiahi last week ahead of Ken Maumalo was the most recent - but seems to learn quickly. He's been unafraid to blood youngsters and maintains an even temper under pressure.
"I haven't really seen him lose it, do a Craig Bellamy or a Dessie Hasler up until now," said Nathan Friend. "There has been a few times when he has had to lay down the law but mostly he keeps his cool."
"I feel like I am pretty measured, it doesn't happen often," said McFadden. "My job is to steady the ship and try to take the emotion out of it."
Chad Townsend encapsulates what could unfold in the coming years.
He's the tangible proof of McFadden's coaching abilities, going from a Cronulla rookie to someone who will be genuinely missed next year.
This season, he's running more, has almost already doubled his linebreaks from 2014 and has 50 per cent more tackle busts with five regular-season games remaining.
"Cappy has changed me as a player," said Townsend. "He's helped me with my running game and made me more of a threat with the ball in hand. He has also given me more accountability to lead the team around."
It's normal for players to be effusive about their coach but Townsend seems genuine.
"He's very good at what he does. He is very demanding, which is what you want as a player, but he's honest and up-front. If you are doing something wrong he will tell you.
"If you are going well every now and again he will give you a little compliment, but he won't give too much away. I can see him being here for a very long time."
Importantly, Warriors chief executive Jim Doyle is also a believer. He was impressed from their first meeting, which took place soon after Doyle was confirmed in the role last year.
"I'd already done my own research and talked to people like Laurie Daley and Phil Gould, who were very positive," said Doyle.
"Andrew and I then met for breakfast and were still talking five hours later. He had a vision of how he wanted to achieve success and the values that he wanted to implement. He's fair but firm, has good judgement and is not afraid to make tough decisions."
Doyle would be "delighted" if McFadden was still at Mt Smart in 2025.
"It would be great for the club," said Doyle. "He's only going to get better as a coach and if he's still here at that time, we would've achieved success."
Like Doyle, McFadden has an intense work ethic. He's often spotted at the club's Penrose headquarters early most mornings and is still there when most have gone for the day.
"The opportunity here is huge," McFadden said. "It's a bit untapped and it really excites that you could be a part of the first group that can win a premiership. That's my objective and it's well and truly within our capabilities.
"There's plenty of pressure but I'm clear with where we need to go as a club and it's great to have someone like Jim [Doyle] who has the same view.
"We are on our way but we still have some work to do."
