Ricky Stuart has reportedly quit as coach of the Cronulla Sharks effective immediately.
Stuart was to leave the club at the end of the season but following another heavy defeat to Manly on the weekend has opted to quit seven weeks early.
Shane Flanagan, who was to take the reins in 2011, will take over for the remainder of the season.
"The time I have spent at the Sharks, in the main, has been most enjoyable," Stuart said.
"The Sharks have a wonderful supporter base and a group of players who have always shown me their full respect and commitment.
"I wish the Sharks every success going forward."
Sharks Chairman Damian Irvine praised Stuart's contribution to the club and remained optimistic about the club's future.
"The Club has been through a tough three year period and sometimes despite everyone's best efforts only change and fresh faces can create the spark to realise full potential," Irvine said.
"We now have a new coach, some fine youth and select recruits in the pipeline who will complement our elite forward pack perfectly.
"Ricky Stuart has contributed immensely to the Club during his time here and also to the success and victories ahead that the hard work will result in."
Flanagan will lead the Sharks to Canberra this weekend for his first NRL game as Head Coach.