Stephen Kearney has been confirmed as new Warriors coach, replacing Andrew McFadden on a three-year deal.

McFadden has failed to get the NRL club to the finals since taking over from the sacked Matthew Elliott early in 2014.

He will remain as an assistant to Kearney while club champion Stacey Jones has been promoted to an assistant role.

“The club means a lot to me from my time there as a player and this a great opportunity to take the football department in a new direction,” Kearney said.

“I’ve been speaking to Cappy (McFadden) about his role and I’m thrilled he’s staying on.

“He has so much to offer with his knowledge about the club and I’m really looking forward to working with him.

“It’ll also be great to have Stacey involved to a greater degree with the NRL squad so we can really maximise the expertise he provides.”

Kearney, who currently works as an assistant under Wayne Bennett at the Brisbane Broncos, will also step aside from his role as New Zealand’s international coach.

The former international forward, who played with Western Suburbs, the Warriors and Melbourne, endured an unsuccessful stint as head coach with Parramatta in 2011 and 2012.

He won just 10 of 42 matches before stepping down near the end of the 2012 season.

“We’re delighted we’ve been able to bring Stephen back to Mount Smart Stadium,” said managing director Jim Doyle.

“He was outstanding during his playing career with the club and then with the Melbourne Storm before moving into coaching.

“Stephen has taken the Kiwis to a new level with their successes in the Rugby League World Cup in 2008 and twice in the Four Nations in 2010 and 2014.

“During his coaching career he has also worked alongside two of the best coaches the game has seen in Craig Bellamy at the Storm and Wayne Bennett at the Broncos.

“Our review identified changes needed to be made and, in Stephen, we have a coach who has a reputation for demanding the highest standards.”