Lang coaches' coach

Coaches? coach of the year John Lang will remain with the Penrith Panthers for ?whatever time he wants?, chairman Barry Walsh said last night.

Lang topped a poll of his coaching peers, to be published in today?s edition of Rugby League Week.

The coach of this year?s minor premiers received eight votes, double that of Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy who received four ? one unnamed coach declined to participate in the poll.

Lang is contracted with the Panthers until the end of next year, but Walsh said he would discuss with Lang his plans at the end of the season.

"We'll be doing things before it ever comes up. Let me say this: he is held in the highest regard possible.?

The Panthers, who ended last year in 12th position, play the New Zealand Warriors in Sydney on Sunday for a berth in next week?s Grand Final.