Leeds United still do not know what division they will be playing in next season but that should not distract them in their search for a new sporting director.
The Whites currently sit 18th in the Premier League and one point adrift of safety with just two matches of the season remaining.
Due to another desperate season of struggle, former Leeds director Victor Orta was given his marching orders earlier this month in the wake of a 4-1 defeat at Bournemouth, which also saw Javi Gracia lose his job.
Orta was the man responsible for hiring Gracia back in February following the dismissal of Jesse Marsch, but the Spaniard lasted just 11 matches after a dismal run of results in April.
Gracia was the latest in a long list of failed managerial appointments by Orta, with Marcelo Bielsa the only real success story during his time at Elland Road.
Leeds must seek swift sporting director appointment
Despite their current predicament on the pitch, though, Leeds cannot afford to keep dwelling on past mistakes and must get this appointment right as quickly as possible.
Regardless of whether Leeds remain in the top-flight or not, they will need a quick start to the summer window with plenty of work to be done on the playing squad, and the need for a new manager.
Should Leeds prolong their search for an Orta successor, it will allow other teams the opportunity to get a head start on key targets, which could again set them up for another season of struggle.
It is looking likely this summer will represent the beginning of a new era at the club and so Leeds must also ensure they are ambitious in who they appoint.
Aston Villa – who only two seasons ago finished below Leeds in the Premier League – have moved quickly to prise Mateu Alemany from Barcelona onto their board.
Even if Leeds do drop into the Championship, that is the sort of pedigree Andrea Radrizzani and the San Francisco 49ers must look to target if they are serious about taking the club forward.