However, the Cobras are hopeful the former North Melbourne player will continue to play for the club in a non-coaching capacity.

Richardson has informed the club he can no longer carry out a head coaching role, citing work and family commitments as the main factor. 

He will see out the remainder of the season as Bacchus Marsh looks to break a 14-year finals hoodoo.

Cobras president Adam Sutherland said Richardson had stepped down with full blessings from the club, declaring his stint a success if he managed to steer Bacchus Marsh to the finals.

Should the Cobras win their last two matches against the struggling Ballarat and Sebastopol, they are guaranteed a finals berth for the first time since 2001.

“It sounds like a cliche but it really is work/life balance for Cam and we understand that,” Sutherland said.

“He’s highly liked and respected around the club, he has been great for us.

“We’re not satisfied with just making finals but if we do, then you would have to say he’s been a success for us.

“If we can keep him as a player, and that is our aim, then that would be a bonus.”

Sutherland said although the club had spoken briefly to a few candidates to fill Richardson’s shoes, a decision on his replacement was still a long way off.

Instead, the focus is on trying to break the finals drought.

“Cam’s done us a favour by letting us know early on but we’re really not looking that closely yet,” he said.

“We’re just focusing on the season first then we can start looking at a replacement.”

Meanwhile, Ballarat coach Ash Baker has been reappointed for a further two years at the helm.

Baker, who is currently in his third year leading Ballarat, took the Swans to a grand final in 2014.

He has been given the reins to lead a rebuild despite a disappointing 2015 season, which has spawned just two wins to date.

Ballarat president Darren Fraser said Baker had been a great servant to the club and had that he had every faith in his coaching.

“It’s exciting for all of us,” he said.

“We know what Ash is capable of as a coach and we are very confident in what he can do.”

East Point is also expected to announcement the re-signing of Glenn Wilkins as coach in the coming weeks.

Wilkins has not yet signed but Roos president Maurice O’Keefe said his club was keen to pursue his services for at least another year.

Lake Wendouree is in a similar boat with Gavin Webb, although his position has not been officially discussed, likewise with Rob Waters at North Ballarat City.

Sunbury coach Rick Horwood has also been given another year in charge of the eastern Lions, regardless of whether they make finals or not this season.

It is also unknown if Redan coach Eammon Gill will go around again, with the Lions’ coaching position currently under review.

2016 BFL COACHES

BACCHUS MARSH: Cam Richardson stepping down, replacement not yet known.

BALLARAT: Ash Baker signed two-year-contract.

DARLEY: No discussions as yet.

EAST POINT: Announcement expected before season’s end, likely to be Glenn Wilkins.

LAKE WENDOUREE: Hopeful of reappointing Gavin Webb.

MELTON: Brad Murphy signed one-year contract.

MELTON SOUTH: Mark Pedersen already signed for second year.

NORTH BALLARAT CITY: Hopeful of reappointing Rob Waters.

REDAN: Eammon Gill’s position currently under review.

SEBASTOPOL: Shane Snibson already signed for second year.

SUNBURY: Re-signed Rick Horwood for one year.