The Bushrangers have been searching for an assistant to long-time boss Greg Shipperd since Simon Helmot's resignation last month to pursue his Twenty20 coaching career in Australia and also in India and the West Indies.

An issue in securing a replacement has been Victoria's unwillingness to offer anything more than a one-year deal, so it expires at the same time as Shipperd's.

While that approach could be interpreted as casting doubt on Shipperd's tenure beyond next season, Cricket Victoria has privately insisted that is incorrect.

But it is likely the Bushrangers will defer contract extension negotiations until the second half of next season - at the earliest - so it can gauge the suitability of the revamped coaching panel.

Shipperd has led the team for more than a decade.

Victoria was hopeful of luring former NSW coach Matthew Mott for the position, but that is unlikely because of the short-term tenure. Mott, who spent five years playing for Victoria, left NSW three years ago for the top job at Glamorgan, in Wales, which he held for two years.

Since leaving Glamorgan in October, he has returned to Queensland and been coaching at Cricket Australia's National Cricket Centre and with Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League.

Hussey has been in discussions with the Bushrangers about his role for next season. It was expected Hussey, who turns 37 in July, would be a playing captain-coach of their Futures League and second XI teams and a back-up shield batting option.

But the veteran, who enjoys a good relationship with Shipperd, could also take on roles of batting coach and even assistant coach for the Bushrangers.

The Bushrangers are expected to finalise their structure for next season within weeks.