Canberra Capitals general manager Joe Roff says officials will wait to finalise a review of the WNBL program before ramping up the search for Carrie Graf's successor.
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Graf quit on Thursday and will see out the last four games of the season before walking away from the club she has coached for 15 seasons and led to six championships.
Former AIS coach Phil Brown and ex-Capitals assistant coach Chris Lucas loom as attractive options to take the reins if both express interest in the position.
Graf has offered to help finish the wide-ranging review of the club's basketball operations following a season from hell, which has seen them slump to 20 consecutive losses – the biggest losing streak in the club's history.
"We're finalising the review of the Capitals and the intention was to understand what the program looks like going forward. That hasn't changed," Roff said.
"For us, this role hasn't been on the market for such a long time. So we have to think about who and it's a really exciting role. I'm sure we'll be approached by potential coaches going forward.
"But not until we've farewelled one of the most successful coaches Canberra has ever seen.
"As the season closes out, it is the end of an era. Carrie's decision cements that. It's evident the timing is right for the renewal of the Capitals."
The Capitals play the Dandenong Rangers at the AIS Arena on Sunday as they attempt to break through for their first win.
The end of the season looms as a changing of the guard, with Graf moving on, superstar Lauren Jackson released from her contract and former skipper Jess Bibby retiring.
The Capitals will farewell Jackson at the clash against the Rangers with a special tribute, while Bibby and Graf will finish against the Bendigo Spirit at the AIS Arena on February 20.
Graf helped recruit sponsors and big-name players to Canberra, securing ActewAGL as a partner almost 10 years ago.
"The Caps have been Carrie Graf, she's done some wonderful things for the team and the city. That shouldn't go unrecognised," ActewAGL marketing director Paul Walshe said.
"She had a vision for the Capitals, and she sold that to us. We've got nothing but respect for her, and at the end of the day her record stands."
Capitals players were told on Thursday morning that Graf would not seek an extension to her contract, which expires at the end of the season.
"Absolutely it's sad. She's done so much for the program, I totally understand her decision to step away but it will be such a different Capitals," star Abby Bishop said.
"Graffy and I have a special bond, it's love-hate. She's done a lot for me in my basketball career, and she's a great friend. She'll be missed, I'm grateful for everything she's taught me as a person and a player."
