Wise revealed at this afternoon's press conference that he wanted a younger man with great determination to take the role on.
Wise, who was presented to the media along with new coach Gus Poyet by chairman Ken Bates, felt it was important to stamp his authority early on in his Leeds reign.
"Kevin Nicholls is the captain now and Shaun Derry is vice-captain," said Wise.
"I felt it was important to make a younger up-and-coming player the captain. He's got experience of being a captain.
"He's aggressive, which is what I like. He's a leader. So yes, he's a one that I liked. He's a nice fellow and that's what I want. He's got a bit of bite about him and that's what I want from him.
"Paul Butler was okay in the end. He's settled with it and that was it really. He's happy. I've asked him if we wants to stay and he's said yes.
"I think first of all you need to look at what you've got. I'm looking for players who are willing to work for this football club and each other.
"The quicker I find that out the better it is for the players.
"They're a very talented bunch. I'm quite bewildered by the position there in, because there's so much talent here.
"They look very sharp. I've said to them 'you shouldn't be in this position'. I'm looking forward to it to be honest.
"I think the club, it's a massive club. It was very hard to turn down. I found that difficult to not take the challenge on.
"It's a big job. Yes it is a big job. I'd be a fool not to take it on and have a go. I want this club in The Premiership. When it becomes I don't know.
"The players are just down on confidence. I want them to be a bit like the Leeds of before, who were horrible. I want a bit of nastiness and togetherness.
"They are fantastic fans. The other day was surprising. We lost and the fans were still singing.
"They do need confidence. That's important. They need to be in it together. Having looked at the last game, they're not quite together as a bunch.
"I need to add one or two. There is a lot of quality there, but there are a few injuries.
"You're always going to look elsewhere and give the squad a little bit more quality. There'll be some players who need to go and some who need to stay."