It comes as this masthead understands that president Dr Sonja Hood will remain in her role until the end of her term, which concludes at the end of the 2028 season.
There had been speculation that Hood had been earmarked to join the AFL Commission at some stage.
But she seems set to remain as president for the next two seasons while the new coach looks to take the Kangaroos back into the finals for the first time since 2016.
Sidebottom, who has played under premiership coaches Mick Malthouse and Craig McRae and grand final coach Nathan Buckley, was a surprise choice for the Kangaroos’ panel, but he brings recent experience from one of the AFL’s best systems.
Kangaroos chief executive Jen Watt will chair the panel which comprises Sidebottom, footy boss Todd Viney, board member and former player Andrew Swallow, dual AFLW premiership coach Darren Crocker and vice president Nick Dowling.
The club announced the panel on Tuesday night, asking “prospective candidates” to register their interest with Watt and Viney.
“The club is seeking a person with recent and relevant AFL coaching experience from successful environments who can deliver North Melbourne its next silverware in the men’s competition,” the Kangaroos statement said.
“Candidates will need a proven track record in demonstrating outstanding leadership, relationship building, communication, and education.
“Specific role information will be provided to individuals who express interest in the position and who meet the selection criteria.”
North Melbourne has not set a time frame on when it needs to appoint a new coach, believing it has the key people in place to make decisions through the free agency and trade period if an appointment is not made before them.
The Kangaroos are actively chasing defenders, including Essendon’s Jordan Ridley, in the trade period. But one-time No.4 draft pick Zane Duursma has informed the club that he wants to be traded to Melbourne.