The North Melbourne Football Club and Brad Scott have agreed to mutually part ways.
Scott put forward the option to stand down at a Board meeting with the proposal recently accepted.
“Several weeks ago, the football department, led by Brad Scott and Cameron Joyce, presented a strategic plan to the Board regarding the future direction of the team,” Chairman Ben Buckley said.
“Included in this, was an option from Brad, to step aside as senior coach.
“After some weeks, the Board reconvened on Friday morning, and agreed the time was right for the team to go in a new direction.
“After a meeting between Carl [Dilena] and Brad on Friday afternoon, terms for a mutual parting of ways were agreed on.
“Brad’s offer to step aside, is nothing short of selfless and honourable – terms befitting his character. Brad has always been up front, honest and has always preached a club first approach.”
Buckley said Scott’s impact on North Melbourne was profound.
“Since walking in at age 33 in 2009, Brad has poured his heart and soul into this club,” Buckley added.
“He led a rebuild of the club on and off the field, bringing us into the 21st century with a new vision and professional approach to coaching, player management, resourcing, sports science and our culture.
“He has coached 211 games over a ten-year career … he has taken the club to eight finals, including two preliminaries in 2014 and 2015.
“Brad leaves North Melbourne a true Shinboner and will always be part of our family.
“We are indebted to him for his service, loyalty and passion. We thank not only him, but his family – to his wife Penny and sons, Fletcher and Harrison – thank you all for allowing us to share your husband and dad.”
Buckley also outlined the next steps, starting with an interim coach.
“Rhyce Shaw will coach out the remainder of the year,” Buckley confirmed.
“We will immediately embark on a search for a new coach to lead us into a new era.
“We will conduct a review and build strategic plan for success conducted by Peter Nash, former national chairman of KPMG, former club football director Glenn Archer and current board member Brian Walsh.”
Scott said the decision to step down was, “what’s right, not what’s easy".
"We don’t want tumultuous times, we want a smooth transition to the next era … I just couldn’t provide the fresh air that was needed.
“There’s nothing but blue sky ahead for this club. While I would love the opportunity to coach this football club with all the impediments removed … the time was right for the club to get the fresh air that it needs.
"To the players, my boys, I have always defended you guys to hilt and that is because of the quality of characters you guys are. I genuinely hope that in some small way I have shaped the people you are and will become.
"I’d like to acknowledge my mum - mum has had more than her fair share [of obstacles] … she is responsible for every little bit of success our family has enjoyed."
Scott said he had not spoken to anyone about his future except for North Melbourne.
"It’s about being the best husband and father I can be, playing a hell of a lot more golf and barracking for the Kangaroos,” he said.
