Reaction: 'Leicester lost patience'

Former England captain Johnson has been linked with the top job following Richards' exit as director of rugby.

But Wheeler told BBC Sport: "He's on record as saying that he's had a very intense playing career.

"To plough straight into an even more demanding, intense job is something I think he'd probably think twice about."

Wheeler has taken temporary charge of coaching affairs at Welford Road.

He will be assisted by head coach John Wells, who will pick the side for Friday's Zurich Premiership game at Sale, captain Neil Back and Johnson.

POSSIBLE CANDIDATES Jim Mallinder: Sale, out of contract in summer Martin Johnson: On Tigers' temporary coaching team Alan Solomons: Ulster, yet to agree new deal Nick Mallett: Stade Francais, South Africa (1997-2000) John Mitchell: Waikato, axed by All Blacks after World Cup

The Tigers are prepared to wait until the end of the season to appoint a full-time successor to Richards.

Current Super 12 coaches are likely to be in the running, although Sale's Jim Mallinder has also been linked with the job.

Johnson could be considered for the role of player-coach.

"Our only target this year is to qualify for Europe via the wildcard play-offs," said Wheeler.

"I think we would like to advertise worldwide to see if there is the right candidate who can take up the position.

"We will try and assess whether that should be as a director of rugby or as a team manager."

Wheeler added: "We quickly want to formulate a plan for next year. We have to rebuild - it's essential."

Richards led the Tigers to four league titles, as well as Heineken Cup triumphs in 2001 and 2002.

I'd prefer it if Leicester got Mallett From Wizadora Ravenclaw Have your say on Scrum V

But Leicester crashed out of Europe in the group stages this season and lie only ninth in the Premiership.

"We have been concerned over the last 12 to 14 months," said Wheeler.

"We didn't have a good year last year and in fact our results have been in decline since we last won the European Cup

"We've been trying to see how we might structure the playing side to arrest that decline and turn our fortunes around."