Paul McGregor will coach his final NRL game with St George Illawarra Dragons on Friday night, after both parties agreed to part ways.
McGregor opted to resign after a meeting with the Dragons board, who couldn't guarantee the 52-year-old would be kept on for the 2021 season.
He will coach the team in Friday's clash against Parramatta Eels, with assistant Dean Young to take over on an interim basis for the rest of the season.
McGregor is the fourth coach to leave his role this year, following Stephen Kearney at NZ Warriors, Dean Pay at Canterbury Bulldogs and Paul Green at North Queensland Cowboys.
"I wish to thank the Dragons for allowing me to be head coach over the past seven seasons, as well as everyone who has been involved in my journey at this proud club," says McGregor.
"I approached the club's chief executive Ryan Webb earlier in the week regarding a number of matters and we eventually came to an agreement that this week will be my last as coach of the Dragons.
"I understand a fresh face and a new voice is needed to move the club forward. I hope this decision will provide clarity to the playing group, the entire staff, and our passionate 'Red V' members and partners regarding the direction the club is headed.
"Dean Young and the team have a fantastic opportunity over the next six weeks to build into the 2021 campaign. Dean deserves this great opportunity to showcase his capabilities in the head coach role."
As a player, McGregor played for Illawarra Steelers between 1991-98, before they merged with St George Dragons the following year.
He played a further two seasons with the joint-venture club, before joining the Dragons coaching staff.
"After 25 years with the Illawarra Steelers and St George Illawarra as a player, staff member, captain and coach. I viewed my positions as a series of privileges, not obligations," he says.
"We haven't met performance expectations over the past 18 months and I take acceptance of responsibility. I had the opportunity to build my team, which we did in 2017 and 2018.
"Unfortunately, we have not put that same side on the field since for a number of reasons.
Sydney Roosters assistant Craig Fitzgibbon, who was linked the Warriors jab after Kearney's sacking, is one of the candidates linked to the role.
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