I agree he has probably left for the chance to be a coach. I am surprised he has not been snapped up already. He did a brilliant job at this club and I am very sad to see him go.
It is interesting, because while we, as Tigers supporters, rate him very highly, you rarely hear his name being mentioned in relation to vacant senior coaching roles, North and St Kilda at the moment for example. He always seems to be on the fringes. He might be watining for the right opportunity, but he has been waiting for a long time and that in itself might harm his prospects.
I think the theory that Essendon have offered a more attractive coaching role is on the money, although I reckon Rutten might not be impressed if it was the senior role.
Irrespective, we now need an assistant coach. I doubt he would come, but Peter Sumich strikes me as a good operator. He has a great eye for talented players and has done wonders with the WA U18s.