John Wells and Dean Richards with the Heineken Cup in 2001

The former forwards coach was promoted to the top job after Dean Richards parted company with the club on Monday.

But Wells told the Tigers' website: "I have no wish to be in Dean's shoes or fulfilling Dean's role.

"I've been put in charge of day-to-day affairs relating to the first team - responsibilities of someone one step away from director of rugby."

The club have also named former Tigers scrum-half Darren Grewcock in the newly-created role of performance manager.

Leicester chief executive Peter Wheeler said: "We have appointed Darren to oversee the whole of the conditioning and rehabilitation operation."

The 38-year-old made 40 first-team appearances for Tigers as a player between 1985-95, scoring 16 tries.

Meanwhile, Tigers have also announced that physiotherapist Mark Geeson and head fitness and conditioning coach John Duggan have left the club.

Geeson had already stated his intention to leave at the end of the season to concentrate on his private physiotherapy practice, while Duggan asked for a reduced role next season.

Wheeler said: "We have used this opportunity to review our entire medical and rehabilitation support, as this is one of the major areas of concern that we have had over the past few months as we strive to provide the best possible back-up for our players.

"Both Mark and John have been here throughout the professional era, and have been extremely dedicated members of staff.