David Wagner has left Huddersfield Town as manager by mutual consent with the club bottom of the Premier League.
The German, 47, took over as Terriers boss in November 2015 and led them to promotion to the Premier League in 2016-17 via the Championship play-offs.
Huddersfield were one of the favourites for relegation last season but Wagner kept them up with a 16th-place finish.
They have struggled this season, with just 11 points from 22 games, and are eight points adrift of safety.
Town chairman Dean Hoyle called it a “sad day” after Wagner’s achievements took him among the “greats” of the club.
Hoyle said in a statement: “I would like to begin by thanking David for all he has achieved at Huddersfield Town over the last three-and-a-half years.
“Under his stewardship, we have achieved things on the football pitch that surpass anything in modern memory, and that have gone well beyond my wildest expectations as chairman and as a fan.
“Under David’s management, we took this club to the highest position it has held in almost 50 years and created memories that will last forever.
“His achievements will rightly put him up there in Huddersfield Town history alongside great names like Herbert Chapman and Mick Buxton; legendary managers who changed the face of this club.
“As I had said previously, I had no intention of sacking David this season. Subsequently David – being the great man he is – came to us and made it clear that he needs a break from the rigours of football management.
“We discussed making that change immediately, but he also made it clear that he would give his all for the rest of this season before departing in the summer if we preferred.
“After a long discussion we all felt that David staying at the club until the end of the season was best, but we’ve kept discussions open and we all now feel that the time is right to part ways.
“I know the term ‘mutual consent’ is often a byword for the manager being sacked in professional football, but this is a truly joint decision. David has a real, genuine love for this club and, like me, his foremost concern in our talks has been to establish what is best for Huddersfield Town.”
Wagner’s last game in-charge came in Saturday’s goalless draw at fellow relegation candidates Cardiff, when the visitors were denied a late penalty.
He was named Championship Manager of the Year after leading the west Yorkshire side into the top-flight and claimed the Premier League Manager of the Month award in in August 2017.
In all, Wagner had a 33.1% win ratio from his 154 games as boss.
Coach Mark Hudson will take charge of the next league game against champions Manchester City on Sunday.