And, after finishing as runners-up in last season's RaboDirect PRO12, Schmidt has helped establish Leinster as genuine contenders to this year's crown with four wins from their first six games.
Schmidt's CV also includes an impressive spell at Clermont, where he was part of the coaching set up that steered the club to the Top 14 title in 2010.
But with current Ireland backs coach Alan Gaffeney's contract coming to an end following Ireland's World Cup exit, rumours are circulating that Schmidt could combine his Leinster head coach duties with a role in the Ireland set-up.
"I love the job I am doing here," said Schmidt. "I'd never say never but I haven't been approached, and it's not something I have given thought to.
"If I was approached, I would have to think about it and then talk to my family and to Leinster as well.
"I am contracted to Leinster until 2013 and I would say that any job I have done in rugby, I have never not done (completed) my contract."
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