The New South Wales Rugby Union has appointed an independent panel to search for a new coach after Bob Dwyer today stepped aside after a frustrating Super 12 season.

Dwyer ended his third year in charge of the Waratahs by watching his team finish one try short of the playoffs.

NSW finished fifth on the table when a bonus point win over the Chiefs on Saturday would have lifted them ahead of the ACT Brumbies and into playoffs for the second year in a row.

A special executive committee of the NSWRU has appointed an the independent panel to recommend a short list of coaching candidates.

NSWRU executive director John McKay said Dwyer would still have a role at the Waratahs.

"Bob still has a valuable contribution to make to NSW Rugby and he will move into a key development role, an option in his present agreement, to ensure this state still produces the bulk of Australia's elite rugby players," McKay said.

"There is no-one better in this country at identifying talent."

McKay, who will chair the independent panel, hoped to have a short list of prospective coaches within the next two weeks.

"The panel will examine the credentials of a range of candidates and will come back ... with an appropriate short list.

"Depending on the composition of that short list, I expect the panel will be authorised to begin an interview process."

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