Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall says he feels fortunate after his time in charge of the club came to an end.
The 57-year-old’s 17-year career coaching the club finished with a 32-12 defeat by Exeter in their final game of the season.
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Sarries finished fifth in the Prem and were unable to add to the six titles won under his leadership.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to experience the highs and the lows, I suppose, to come to this club at the time that I did and get to work with the people that I’ve worked with,” he told BBC Sport.
“I’m absolutely blessed to have done that for as long as I have done it.”
Under his leadership, Saracens won three European Champions Cups but were also embroiled in the salary cap scandal which found the club had exceeded the amount paid to star players via undeclared business relationships.
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It led to the club’s relegation from the top flight, with McCall guiding them back to the Prem at the first attempt in 2021.
Since then he has led Saracens to one more title, in 2023.
He will be replaced by his predecessor Brendan Venter, who is returning to the club next season.
“I think that from a playing squad perspective, there’s a lot to be optimistic about,” McCall added.
“I think there’s a good core there. We’ve had a really good two months – it’s as connected as I can remember the group for the last two or three years.
“We’ve got some brilliant talent coming through the academy, we’ve got some good senior players who are joining the club.
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“I think we’ve got a good group and we’ve just got to do better than we did this year.”
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