South Sydney fire coach Michael Maguire after failing to make play-offs

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Michael Maguire has been fired as South Sydney coach three years after guiding the club to a drought-breaking National Rugby League title.

South Sydney general manager of football Shane Richardson made the announcement on Tuesday. The Rabbitohs failed to make the playoffs after winning just nine games this season and placing 12th in the 16-team league.

'We feel it's time for the club to go along a different path in terms of the leadership of the team and the direction the team is taking, and they are the responsibilities of the head coach,' Richardson said in a statement. 

Michael Maguire has been fired as South Sydney coach after they failed to make the play-offs

'Michael also feels it's in his best interest to head in a different direction in his coaching career.'

Maguire joined as head coach in 2012 and steered the Rabbitohs to the NRL premiership in 2014, helping the club end a 43-year drought.

The club has not announced a replacement.