“He’s got a very strong passion to improve people and see them improve as individuals. I genuinely see he cares for people and cares for the organisation he works for.
“You can’t have sustained success if you can’t get people to be the best versions of themselves, and he’s been able to do that.”
Cotter told the media on Tuesday he had no desire to dramatically overhaul the platform that had been put in place under Brad Thorn and Kiss. Rather, he said he sought to inject the “couple per cent more” needed to go from regular quarter-finalists to sustained champions.
Yet as Hanham affirms, the 64-year-old’s recruitment was not just about chasing immediate success, even with Queensland in the midst of a Super Rugby drought dating back to 2011.
Hanham and the QRU want the Reds to be more than an Australian force, and they believe now is the time to establish a worldwide presence in “the most important window in Australian rugby history”.
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Cotter’s ability to adapt to his roster and conditions played a huge factor in securing his services through to the end of 2028, as he prepares to inherit a squad brimming with 307 Wallabies caps.
“Over his coaching history, it’s not one size fits all – he’s got a vision for how he wants to play the game, but it’s also adapting to the program and skill set you have in it,” Hanham said.
“I think it’s more his ability to adapt to the environment rather than that he has a set way that’s only done across all the different programs he’s won.
Those additional fixtures have presented opportunities for the club’s developing talent to be exposed to elite-level rugby before their Super Rugby debuts.
While Hanham said they were yet to delve into Cotter’s French connections as a future option, he suggested they were constantly on the lookout for growth opportunities.
“We’re always looking, but it’s more about partnerships,” he said. “We always have a long-term view – yes, the games will add quality, but also it’s more about the long-term partnerships, and about how we work together to continue to grow.”
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