The Gold Coast Suns have sacked their inaugural coach Guy McKenna.

McKenna made a strong start to the season, but the team lost six of their last seven games without injured star Gary Ablett to miss out on the finals.

McKenna lost 64 of his 88 games as Suns coach, a winning percentage of just 27.3.

The Suns are now tipped to pursue former Geelong and Essendon coach Mark Thompson.

Thompson, who filled in for suspended James Hird this season, remains off contract.

The Bombers were expected to retain Thompson in a senior post, with captain Jobe Watson last month saying it was the “obligation of the club … to find the right role for him”.

Thompson made it clear on Monday night he had not been approached by any other club than Essendon.

“No. I have not. Definitely not,” Thompson said on Fox Footy.

“I’ve heard lots of rumours though, like everyone.

“But I have not spoken to anyone.”

Thompson coached Geelong to two premierships in his time at the club, his relationship with Gary Ablett becoming strained in 2010 when the star charge left to become the Suns skipper.

Thompson followed Ablett out the door, joining Essendon to be Hird’s mentor.

Suns chairman John Witheriff said the decision to part company with McKenna was a mutual one.

“Guy was naturally disappointed but, as he has done since being appointed in August 2008, he put the interests of the club and our future ambitions first,” Witheriff said in a statement.

“Guy is a man with tremendous values and he will leave us knowing his legacy is our club’s promising future.

“The fact that the Gold Coast Suns are now respected by our rivals in the AFL is due in no small part to the contribution Guy has made as our first senior coach.”

McKenna wished the club well.

“It has been a privilege to have coached the Gold Coast Suns and I know the success the club aspires to achieve is not too far away,” the former West Coast champion said.

“The club has every right to pursue a direction it believes will give it the best chance of continued improvement. Although I leave with a heavy heart, I am content that I have helped develop a unique group of players.

“I leave with some great memories and strong friendships and I know they will remain despite my early departure.”