Former Super rugby coaches Joe Schmidt and Vern Cotter have been very successful in Europe but have contracts with Leinster and Clermont. Cotter has an exit clause if he becomes All Black coach but Blues supremo may not count.
Former All Black and one-year Blues assistant John Kirwan is eager to rekindle his work with the franchise after more than a decade offshore in charge of Italy and Japan.
There will be noises about Wayne Smith but he has pledged his loyalty to the Chiefs next year and has made his best impact as a technical adviser, assistant and mentor.
Others are floating around. Someone could motor down to Hamilton and put the pressure on Warren Gatland while he is incapacitated, challenge Robbie Deans now that he has broadened his portfolio in Australia or see if Peter de Villiers is still unemployed in South Africa.
If any of that trio applied it would shock but there are others who might give it more than a thought.
Eddie Jones is a very technical coach, a man of ruthless ambition who lives for the game. He has coached all around the globe, he helped the Boks and Jake White to World Cup success in 2007, he understands rugby in this part of the world.
Another career coach will take on the Blues tomorrow. John Mitchell has been All Black coach and is now working with former Blues pinup Carlos Spencer to guide the Lions. Mitchell has made his life coaching offshore but the Lions are under severe threat next year because of their lack of success and the Southern Kings' desire to be part of the Super rugby landscape.
Former All Black fullback Kieran Crowley has been toiling in Canada and might think about having another stint in Auckland where he attended Sacred Heart College.
Lists will grow as people ponder contenders. Local coach Liam Barry, who was at the Blues as a technical analyst before switching to North Harbour, will rate some attention and there will be those who want to reinvent the wheel with Graham Henry or John Hart.
Those two should be on a heavyweight panel asked to sift contenders and come up with an answer and some strong plan for the Blues in the next five years.
If the Blues were deadly serious about cranking out some success rather than peeking at it as they have since 2003, they might send specific inquiries to Europe.
Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett and England coach Martin Johnson are unemployed but apparently still keen on coaching.
Mallett signalled his continuing interest when he applied but missed out on the recent England job while Johnson has not been long in coaching and has connections downunder with a Kiwi wife.
Both have always spoken warmly of their affection for New Zealand when they have toured with teams, perhaps one or both might like a more permanent connection.
Who knows what their reaction might be?
It only takes an email or phone call.
