Tim Sheens will leave Wests Tigers at the end of 2023 and hand the reins of the struggling NRL side to New Zealand icon Benji Marshall.
With the Tigers rooted to the bottom of the ladder, with just three wins from 21 matches, the club has announced they've "mutually agreed" with Sheens that he'll leave at the end of this current season.
The move will come less than 12 months after the Tigers announced a five-year plan that would have seen Sheens coach in 2023 and 2024, before stepping aside for Marshall in 2025.
Sheens is arguably the greatest coach in Wests Tigers' history, helming the side in 2005 to their first and only premiership.
In his first stint with the Tigers, Sheens won 122 of 249 games before leaving for the UK in 2012.
Now, in his second spell with Wests, those numbers make for much worse reading - with only three wins from 21 games this year.
"I came back with a focus on creating stronger pathways and development programs," said Sheens.
"I am proud of the work accomplished by all involved in the pathways system and of the emerging local talent, in both the men's and women's competitions."
That 2005 Premiership triumph came with Marshall as a key cog at five-eighth, creating a try for teammate Pat Richards with a now-iconic flick pass.
Sheens is expected to remain with the Tigers to oversee the start of Marshall's transition from assistant coach.
The NZ Kiwis great says he's privileged to have had Sheens as a mentor - both as a coach and a player - and is ready to fulfill a "long-held dream."
"I am humbled by Tim's endorsement as the future and long-term head coach of Wests Tigers," said Marshall.
"To be the head coach of Wests Tigers has been a long-held dream of mine since retiring from playing.
"I am very grateful for the opportunity to take on the role and I am indebted to Tim for all that he has taught me, both as a player and as an assistant coach.
"I know that I am ready to take on the role with all the support that the club has offered."
