PAULUS Firman has become the latest coaching staff to part ways with BA of Malaysia (BAM) following his decision not to extend his stay here due to family reasons.
The outgoing mixed doubles head coach will go on a short sabbatical before deciding his next destination.
It is believed that he will likely rejoin the BA of Indonesia (PBSI).
The 53-year-old's exit leaves BAM with a big void to fill, especially in the doubles department, as they have already lost the services of Flandy Limpele and Chan Chong Ming, who previously headed the men's doubles and women's doubles squads.
Flandy subsequently joined the PBSI after his two-year contract expired in March, while Chong Ming resigned last December.
Another high-profile coach who quit was Indra Wijaya. The former women's singles coach took up a new challenge to solely train world No 7 Lee Zii Jia, who had left the national team in February.
In a statement released by BAM, Paulus said: "After careful consideration, I have decided not to accept BAM's contract renewal.
"For me, my family has to be the most important thing. This is just about taking a break from the sport and spending more time with my family and kids."
"I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve BAM for the past four years."
National coaching director Rexy Mainaky thanked his compatriot for his service and assured that efforts are being made to reinforce the depleted coaching set-up.
"I would like to thank Paulus for his significant role in both the mixed doubles and men's doubles departments," said Rexy.
"Paulus has expressed that he wants to spend more time with his family in Indonesia. He leaves with the sincerest thanks from everyone at the BAM.
"We are actively identifying candidates who would be able to build on the momentum and good work laid down by Paulus."
Paulus first joined the national body as the men's doubles coach in 2013 before leaving for Manila a year later to be chief coach of the Philippines team.
The Indonesian was then re-hired by BAM in 2018, where he played a pivotal role in guiding national No 1 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik to the world's top 10.
Paulus is expected to take a break for two months, and a return to PBSI could be on the cards.
PBSI are reportedly keen on hiring Paulus.
One thing is for sure the versatile Paulus will not be short of options when he's ready to return to coaching.
When he first started as a coach with the Indonesian national team in 1997, Paulus was overseeing the women's and mixed doubles squads.
He even served as the men's singles coach. Between 2004-2008, he was the assistant to Mulyo Handoyo, where he helped the latter coach then Olympic and world champion Taufik Hidayat.