The Western Force have begun their search for a new coach despite the awkward situation of incumbent John Mitchell hanging around until the end of the 2011 Super 14 season.

The Force were left stunned on Wednesday when Mitchell's management company distributed an email announcing their client would not seek reappointment when his current deal expires at the end of 2011.

The club was only made aware of Mitchell's decision hours before the email was sent.

Former All Blacks coach Mitchell was adamant he would see out his contract but Force chief executive Vern Reid left the door ajar for Mitchell to be replaced in time for the start of next season.

"John's contract goes to 2011 ... I don't have a plan that would look to change that but it's an international game and if something came up ... we might have another decision," Reid said on Thursday.

Mitchell was clearly testy during the Thursday morning press conference, offering short and repeated responses and refusing to clarify what led him to the decision.

"I'm committed totally to my contract right until the end," he said.

"Nothing changes.

"I'm no different to a player that comes out of contract in 2011. I've just been totally transparent on my future."

Reid believed Mitchell's early announcement would help the Force secure a world-class replacement.

"The opportunity for John to look internationally and for us to look internationally is assisted by the fact that John's given us such early notice of his intention to move on at the end of 2011," Reid said.

"What we will do now is begin the search.

"Obviously the news is now out in the international rugby community that there is a position here in 2012.

"I would anticipate that in the next couple of days I'll start to receive expressions of interest and we'll also start the process to look for a coach similar to John's standing to take over in 2012.

"As it's an international game and coaches are committed to usually one or two year contracts, this announcement gives them the opportunity to start thinking whether they'd like to be at the Western Force going ahead.

"We'll start the process but it's not going to be a hurried process."

Meanwhile, the Force's horror run of injuries has continued, with hooker Ryan Tyrrell (neck) and flanker Sam Wykes (corked thigh) ruled out of Saturday night's clash with the unbeaten Bulls in Perth.

Winger Scott Staniforth (hip) and scrumhalf Brett Sheehan (hamstring) were named in the run-on side but must pass late fitness tests to take their place.

Tyrrell's injury is the most serious, with the 26-year-old to undergo surgery on his neck which will keep him out for the remainder of the season.

Staniforth's short-term contract expires after the Bulls game but Mitchell confirmed he would ask the ARU for permission to re-sign the former Wallaby for the remainder of the season.

Force: Mark Bartholomeusz, Scott Staniforth, Ryan Cross, James O'Connor, Mitch Inman, David Hill, Brett Sheehan, Richard Stanford, Matt Hodgson, Ben McCalman, Nathan Sharpe (capt), Tom Hockings, Tim Fairbrother, Ben Whittaker, Nic Henderson. Reserves: Pek Cowan, Kieran Longbottom, Luke Jones, Ted Postal, Chris O'Young, Sam Harris, Haig Sare.

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