West Coast Rangers are looking for a new men’s first team coach after ending Chad Coombes’ five-year spell in charge at the Northern League club.
The club say Coombes will not return for the 2027 season as Rangers restructure their senior and academy football programmes.
Rangers are considering creating a full-time academy director/men’s first-team head coach position to strengthen their player development pathway.
Coombes (43) joined Rangers as head coach for the 2022 season after leaving his assistant coaching role with Northern League club Birkenhead United.
The former All White made an immediate impact, leading Rangers to the 2022 Lotto NRFL Men’s Championship title and promotion.
He was re-appointed for their return to the Northern League in 2023, when Rangers finished seventh in their first season back.
Coombes remained in charge through subsequent seasons, with the club also crediting him for helping young players progress into senior football.
His work extended to Rangers’ age-group teams, including a run to the U-17 nationals semi-finals in 2024, the club’s best finish.
Rangers also reached the quarter-finals of the U-19 nationals in Napier in 2025.
Announcing his departure, the club thanked Coombes for his contribution and said his impact had extended beyond first-team results.
“Throughout his time at WCR, Chad has consistently shown a genuine passion for the players, the team and the club,” Rangers said.
“We are incredibly grateful for the time, energy, and commitment he has given to West Coast Rangers.”
Coombes had previously worked alongside Birkenhead United head coach Paul Hobson before taking the Rangers position ahead of the 2022 campaign.
The former New Zealand international played for clubs including Auckland City and Waitakere United during his playing career.
Rangers say they are now exploring their coaching options as part of their restructuring plans for 2027.
This story was first published on September 25, 2026.