Ospreys have confirmed that head coach Sean Holley and director of coaching Scott Johnson have left the region with immediate effect.
Johnson had been due to leave Ospreys at the end of the season in order to take up a role with Scotland but following a review of the coaching set-up it was decided that it would better for the Welsh region if he and Holley departed immediately.
"Professional sport is a fast-moving and ever-changing environment and after nine years in office we feel that the time is now right to freshen things up and look at alternative options," Ospreys managing director Mike Cuddy said.
Johnson added: "When I informed the board in December that I wouldn't be renewing my contract, I made the offer to stand down at that time but they felt that it would be better for the organisation if I remained in office to help provide some stability during what was inevitably going to something of a transitional period.
"Since then we've been in constant dialogue and six weeks down the line, we've agreed that the time is right for me to move on so we've shaken hands and I'm walking away early from the remainder of my contract."
Holley has been with Ospreys since their inception in 2003 but a lack of success in the Heineken Cup has seen him come under increasing pressure.
Following discussions with the board it was decided he would benefit from a new challenge with Cuddy paying tribute to the former head coach.
"Sean has been an excellent servant to the region over the last nine years and can be justifiably proud of all he has achieved with the Ospreys," said Cuddy.
"Sean is in agreement with us that he too is now in a position where he needs a new challenge."
Holley added: "The Ospreys will always be my home region. It's been a rollercoaster of a ride but I can honestly say I have thrived on it, put my heart and soul into it and tried to embrace it.
"We've been the most successful Welsh region in so many disciplines through the first nine years and although regional rugby is going through tough, transitional times I feel I am leaving the rugby department in good shape with excellent young coaches and players."
Steve Tandy has been appointed head coach following Holley's departure and he will take charge of team affairs for Friday's RaboDirect PRO12 fixture against Aironi.
“This is an excellent opportunity for me and I’m really excited about the challenges ahead. Clearly there’s an air of expectation on whoever is in charge at the Ospreys, but having been here since the very beginning I know what to expect," Tandy said.
“The Ospreys are my home region and I was lucky enough to be able to wear the shirt on 102 occasions. When I was still playing I worked hard to develop as a coach and I’ve been fortunate to be at a region that values coach development as it’s allowed me to get some fantastic experience within the Ospreys and at Bridgend."