Penrith's planned handover from Ivan Cleary to assistant Peter Wallace offers Melbourne a possible model for managing its own coaching change.
Wallace is expected to take on more responsibility during 2027 before becoming head coach in 2028, as Cleary enters the final year of his coaching tenure.
Melbourne is expected to assess its coaching structure in the coming months and settle on a succession plan before the 2027 season, avoiding uncertainty during a campaign that could be Craig Bellamy's last in charge.
Bellamy is expected to coach the Storm in 2027, but his future will be reviewed annually according to his health.
He signed a two-year extension in February, keeping him contracted through the end of 2028. Two months later, he was diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder.
The Storm are also considering a coaching director role to retain Bellamy's influence after he leaves the top job.
Billy Slater has been linked to the position, but is not expected to seek a return to Melbourne after leaving the Queensland Maroons head coaching role.
Since taking charge in 2003, Bellamy has made Melbourne one of the NRL's most consistent premiership contenders, making his eventual replacement a major appointment for the club.