Former NSW Waratahs backs coach Todd Louden has missed out on the Queensland Reds coaching job, adding to growing speculation John Connolly is poised for a return to Ballymore.

Louden was not granted an interview for the post after putting up his hand to return to Australia as the successor to the axed Phil Mooney.

Connolly, who was dumped by the Reds in 2000 after 12 seasons in charge, and former Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie were interviewed by Reds officials last Friday.

Former Wallabies coach Connolly on Monday denied he'd been given the job for the 2010 season despite reports he would be appointed as an interim coach to warm the hot seat for his long-time lieutenant Michael Foley.

Foley is currently serving as NSW's forwards coach, but it's understood some key Queensland figures view him as the preferred man to revive the battling Reds.

With more than two-thirds of their playing roster coming off contract next season, a caretaker coach might only work if the QRU can unveil their 2011 appointment at the same time or soon after.

Queensland officials have bought themselves more time to mull over their choice by putting back their player induction day a week to October 19 when the squad is to meet their new coach.

McKenzie at the weekend felt the job to rebuild the Reds should start immediately with a long-term appointment rather than choosing to undergo an extra change of coach.

Louden's manager John Fordham confirmed the Japan-based coach will stay put with the Ricoh Black Rams, where he is about to sign a new one-year deal.

"Both parties have agreed to terms," Fordham said.

The new contract would allow Louden, who previously helped the Pretoria-based Bulls to the 2007 Super 14 title, to remain in the running for a Super 15 appointment in Australia for 2011.

It's unclear whether Queensland chairman Rod McCall has interviewed any other contenders for next year's post.

If the QRU overlook McKenzie but cannot lure Foley, a former Queensland hooker under Connolly who also coached under him at Bath and the Wallabies, there would be other lower-profile long-term options in Michael Cheika and Anthony McGahan.

Those foreign-based coaches are also expected to be on the short list for the proposed Melbourne team aiming to gain the 15th licence for the expanded 2011 Super 15.

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