North Melbourne senior coach Rhyce Shaw has taken an indefinite break from the club for personal reasons and is no certainty to return to the club.
Roos Chairman Ben Buckley released a statement on Friday afternoon regarding Shaw.
"We have been acutely aware of speculation regarding our head coach, but we have not been in a position to say anything as we are respecting the wishes of Rhyce and his family," the statement read.
"Rhyce has asked for some time and space away from football and we have provided him support during this period.
"We thank the media for their ongoing cooperation and trust they understand we can't make further comment at this time."
"In the meantime, we will forge ahead. From a board perspective, our decision making centres around one ambition: how we can build a team and a football program that will win our fifth flag."
North Melbourne has been closely linked to former Sydney coach Paul Roos and recently appointed ex-Swans assistant John Blakey as a senior assistant coach.
There is increasing speculation from the wider media that Shaw is no certainty to return to the Kangaroos.