However, since leaving the Chiefs in 2017, the former Wellington and Manawatu provincial coach has found a new home in the Northern Hemisphere coaching Glasgow who are currently sitting atop of the Pro 14's Conference A.
The 55-year-old is contracted to the Warriors until the middle of the 2020 season after signing a one-year extension in January.
That arrangement ruled him out of contention to replace All Blacks coach Steve Hansen who will stand down following the World Cup in Japan later this year and could also be a roadblock to him taking on the Wallabies coaching job.
"I'm going to be here for at least another year and a half – possibly longer," Rennie told BBC Sport after agreeing to stay on with Glasgow.
"It's been really good. We're happy, and my wife is happy, that's the key.
"If I'm not here who is going to be running the show and contracting? It gives players clarity over who is going to be here."