Muller informed club officials and the playing group of his decision on Saturday.

Burns felt the 200-centimetre ruckman could become one of the most dominant big men in the competition without the burden of coaching.

Muller remained non-committal about his playing future.

"I haven't got any plans for next year at this stage. I want to have success though," Muller said.

Burns said retaining Muller was a recruiting priority.

"I know Isaac has come out in the paper and says he wants success - don't worry the club has a burning desire to be successful too," Burns said.

"We feel we have laid the foundations for that to happen.

"Isaac is a driven individual and his comment about chasing success didn't surprise me.

"It's my personal opinion but I feel Isaac could be an even better player without the burden of coaching.

"Being a playing coach is a huge commitment with the amount of hours each week that goes into the job with training drills, game plans and selection.

"So I'd imagine with Isaac not having to worry about all that and to be able to concentrate on his own preparation would only benefit him as a player."

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Burns said Hopper officials weren't surprised by Muller's shock announcement.

"People outside the club may have been surprised," he said.

"But we weren't and three weeks ago we put a coaches selection panel together.

"So we are already on the front foot in that regard."

Muller became the youngest coach in league history when he was handed the top job last year.

The 23-year-old led the club to three wins in his inaugural season to defy most critics who widely tipped the Hoppers to finish with the wooden spoon.

Burns said Muller had done a commendable job as coach considering the list at his disposal.

"We can't fault Isaac and his commitment and dedication over the past two years," he said.

"It's a tough gig coaching, let alone being the youngest in the league's history.

"Isaac attracted a lot of players to our club who are also quality people and the right fit for our club.

"So whoever takes over as coach has got a great platform to work with and build further success.

"We have a lot more depth at the club with 56 senior players on the list."

Burns said the Hoppers already have a criteria in place in regards to who would be an ideal replacement for Muller.

"With the AFL and VFL lists being shortened after COVID-19 we will explore high-profile candidates looking for a coaching job," Burns said.

"It's now up to us to leave no stone unturned and to find the right person that will take us to the next level.

"By the next level, I mean playing finals.

"I'm fairly confident we will retain the majority of our list and we have got a young playing group that is only going to get better.

"So there is a lot of upside and expectation of exciting times ahead."