'Not the man to move them forward': Adam O'Brien waves to media as rumblings of Knights exit grow louder

Adam O'Brien offered just a brief wave to the media on Wednesday morning, with his coaching career at the Newcastle Knights expected to end soon.

As first reported by The Sydney Morning Herald and Nine's Michael Chammas, the 47-year-old is expected to part ways with the club at season's end.

O'Brien had two years to run on his contract as Knights head coach, but his time in charge will come to a close after a board meeting on Tuesday night.

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The club cancelled media availability for players Phoenix Crossland and Thomas Cant, but there was no hiding for O'Brien with cameras still at Newcastle training.

A press conference scheduled for O'Brien later in the week has also been cancelled.

O'Brien reportedly informed Knights powerbrokers that he would be willing to walk away from the final two years of his contract.

He was guaranteed an 18-month payout should his contract be terminated, but a 12-month settlement has been negotiated if the Knights decide to move on.

That new settlement has to be ticked off by the Newcastle board.

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O'Brien took over the role from Nathan Brown for the 2020 season and has led the Knights to the finals on four occasions but only winning one post-season game.

Broncos great Corey Parker believes the time was right to move in a new direction.

"There's so much instability at the club," he said on SENQ Breakfast.

"The reality for Adam is, he has been there six seasons. This isn't a one or two year experiment. He has been to the semi finals four times and they have won one.

"He has done a good job with what he's had. They have just come to a point that they would think Adam is not the man to move them forward.

"It's hard to disagree with it. Not long ago they gave him an extension but, when they don't go well, this conversation comes to the forefront.

"Time will tell if this is the right call."

Current assistant coach Blake Green and former Gold Coast boss Justin Holbrook are reportedly the early front-runners to take over the job next season.

Holbrook has been part of the Roosters coaching staff since being axed by the Titans.

However, the likes of Willie Peters and Brad Arthur could also factor into discussions, with both men currently plying their trade overseas in the Super League.

Newcastle was also keen on the services of Josh Hannay prior to him being unveiled as the Gold Coast Titans coach for 2026 and beyond.