New Zealand Cricket admit there's a chance they'll turn Gary Stead down if he decides he wants to continue as Black Caps test coach.

The long-serving mentor has stepped down from the white ball formats but is yet to decide whether he wants to continue in the red ball role.

The governing body is deciding whether to split the coaching role or bring in a new, singular coach.

High performance boss Bryan Stronach says they're open-minded about what's best for the athletes.

LISTEN ABOVE