Six of them - Andy Goodway, Frank Endacott, Stuart Raper, Mike Gregory, Denis Betts and now Ian Millward - have all been at the helm since the club moved in to the JJB Stadium.

But who is next in line? Who has got a big enough name and pedigree? And who is brave enough to take on one of the toughest jobs in rugby league?

Here are our runners and riders:

BRIAN NOBLE:

The Bradford and Great Britain coach has emerged off the rails as a surprise candidate after the news that Wigan have made an official approach.

Surprisingly, the Bulls have allowed talks to go ahead with Noble apparently keen to listen to what Wigan have to say.

He has an impeccable record at club level with Bradford, leading them to five consecutive Grand Finals.

Does he want a new challenge? There aren't many bigger challenges around at the moment than restoring Wigan to their former glories.

ADRIAN LAM:

The Papua New Guinea star was a major influence as a player at the club and is still highly thought of.

After a brief spell on the coaching staff last year, he returned to Australia to assist Stuart Raper at Cronulla, where he remains.

Lam put down some strong roots in Wigan and would be loved by the fans. But his lack of first-grade coaching experience may count against him.

ANDY FARRELL:

His move to rugby union has been a disaster so far. One of the greatest players of his generation has been robbed of the chance of shining in the 15-man code because of persistent injury.

Has he decided enough is enough? If so, could he be tempted to return to his home town club?

It was always thought that Farrell would return to the JJB Stadium as head coach one day. Is the time right now or has the opportunity come too early?

SHAUN EDWARDS:

Another of the great Wigan names, but he is happily settled into the lifestyle and culture of his job with top union club Wasps.

He's doing a terrific job with his current club and may yet have a role on the international stage with England.

Wigan might want him, but would he want Wigan? He's already told BBC Sport that he's happy where he is.

CHRIS ANDERSON:

Spent time living in Wigan chairman Maurice Lindsay's home recovering from a heart attack suffered whilst coaching the Australians during a tour of Britain, so there's no need for introductions.

He's also available and kicking his heels after an unsuccessful spell coaching in rugby union in Wales.

The former Canterbury, Melbourne and Cronulla boss was linked with the job before it was eventually given to Mike Gregory, but his star may be waning in Lindsay's eyes.

ANDREW FARRAR:

He was linked with the job ahead of the Gregory appointment as well and is currently on the coaching staff, having been number two to Millward.

Given that he's already at the club in the period in which they have been underperforming is going to count heavily against him. It's unlikely the former St George Illawarra boss will be given the role.

JOHN LANG:

A former coach of the Australian Super League Test team, Lang is working through his final year as coach of NRL side Penrith Panthers after being told he will be replaced by Matthew Elliott.

The ex-Cronulla boss could be available sooner if Wigan desperately want him. But he remains an outside shot for the job at the moment.

JOHN KEAR:

A former assistant coach at Wigan, Kear is likely to be a man in demand after masterminding Hull's Challenge Cup final success last season.

Rugby union clubs are thought to be interested in his services following his release by Hull last week, but it may be an offer from Wigan would be too tempting.