Craig Fitzgibbon, who has coached the Sharks into the NRL finals over each of the last four seasons, has signed a two-year contract extension.
The new contract for Fitzgibbon, who joined the Sharks ahead of the 2022 season, will see him remain at the Cronulla club until at least the end of 2029.
Fitzgibbon has already overseen 108 top-grade games, the third-longest tenure for a Sharks head coach.
While focused on his team's upcoming game against the Raiders, he is excited to take up the challenge of continuing to lead the club over the next four years.
"We have a talented and hard-working playing group, outstanding staff and we've received strong support for what we are trying to achieve from the Board, led by Steve Mace, and from Dino Mezzatesta and the management team," Fitzgibbon said.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity and stability with our staff, and I'm excited to continue our development together.
"The journey is ongoing, I have faith in what we are doing and what we've been able to achieve so far and look forward to creating stronger connections and a successful environment, both for this current season and for the years to come," Fitzgibbon added.
In confirming his support and the direction of the football program under Fitzgibbon's leadership, Sharks Chairman Steve Mace was thrilled to be able to lock down the current head coach for a further two years.
"Myself, the Board and senior management are confident in our belief that Craig is the man to drive the club towards a second NRL premiership," Mace began.
"Fitzy has already positioned the Sharks as a consistent contender in the NRL competition, the four finals appearances, including two prelim finals under his control, an indication of how close we are.
"With his drive to succeed, the culture and squad he has built, alongside the coaching and support team he has assembled, and we have no doubt he is the man to take us forward and to take that next step," Mace said.
Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta is also a strong supporter in backing Fitzgibbon as the right man to bring premiership success to the Cronulla club.
"Stability, especially when experiencing the level of success and when considering how close we are to achieving our goals, is crucial and Craig has helped to create a winning culture here at the Sharks," Mezzatesta said.
"It was important we continue on our current path, with him at the helm. We think the sky is the limit for our NRL team and our football program under his leadership. What we are developing both on and off the field continues to strengthen each year," Mezzatesta added.
After a celebrated NRL playing career, one which included 19 Tests for Australia, 11 matches for NSW, a Clive Churchill Medal and a premiership at the Sydney Roosters in 2002, Fitzgibbon took his talents to the UK Super League, playing two years at Hull.
Returning to Australia in 2012, Fitzgibbon began his coaching apprenticeship, working as an assistant at the Sydney Roosters, where he was a member of a coaching staff that produced three NRL titles, in 2013, 2018 and 2019.
Fitzgibbon arrived in the Shire in 2022 and has since been in charge for 108 NRL games, boasting a record of 67 wins and 41 losses, for a winning percentage over 62 per cent – the highest win percentage for any long-term head coach in Sharks history.
