I'd prefer if Hardwick had of announced to the club that he was quitting at the end of the year, take a step back from the game day role, and spend time developing coaches and players at the club. Not the " haha - see ya losers, thanks for the cash" effort that he did to his teammates and staff.
Surely it would be harder for the new coach if he had Hardwick still around though. Let the club get a fresh start, all of our better players seem to be back in form since Hardwick left.