Phil Simmons has accepted an offer from the West Indies Cricket Board to become their new head coach at the conclusion of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The appointment will bring to an end the Trinidadian's eight years of unparalleled success as Ireland coach, in which time his charges have dominated associate cricket, winning 11 trophies and qualifying for every International Cricket Council world event.
The former West Indies batsman was in charge of Ireland for 224 matches from April 2007 and until today he was the longest serving coach in international cricket.
During that time, Ireland won 116 and lost 89 games, including victories over England, West Indies, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh during his tenure.
Ireland won three of their six games at this year's World Cup, including that famous win over the Windies, and only lost out on a quarter-final place to Simmons' native land on run-rate.
Simmons said: "I've had eight wonderful years as Ireland's head coach, and will always cherish the memories of those great days we've shared.
"The players and staff at Cricket Ireland have been simply magnificent. The wins in the World Cups over full members were all special, as we showed the world just what Irish cricket is capable of.
"The Irish and West Indians are very similar in their nature and outlook on life and sport.
"They welcomed me into their country, and I engaged with their sporting heritage and culture - and I'm a richer, better person for it."
Ireland, who face a tough battle to qualify for the next World Cup in England in 2019 after ICC's decision to streamline the tournament to 10 teams, will immediately begin their search for a successor to Simmons.
He added: "I'll always be eternally grateful for the opportunity given to me by Cricket Ireland, and in particular CEO Warren Deutrom, and it's been a great partnership over the past eight years.
"I've made some wonderful friends in that time, which has been among the happiest periods in my life.
"It was a very difficult decision to leave, but I couldn't turn down the opportunity to coach my home team.
"They're going through a difficult period at the moment, but I'm confident I can help to improve their fortunes."
West Indies overcame their sticky start to the ongoing World Cup to reach the quarter-finals, in which they face co-hosts New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday.
Ireland captain William Porterfield also paid tribute to the outgoing coach.
"We've all improved and grown as cricketers thanks to his efforts," Porterfield said.
"He's been a towering presence, not just in Irish cricket, but across the world where he is held in such high regard.
"While it's sad to be losing him at this time, everyone in the squad understands his reasons for wanting to coach his home country.
"We wish him and his family all the very best in the future."
Deutrom added: "Everyone will miss Phil Simmons.
"You don't live in a country for eight years and not leave behind close ties and friendships.
"His warmth and strength of values endeared him to everyone here - while his loyalty is unquestioned, as evident from one of the longest-ever coaching tenures in international cricket.
"As Phil has contributed to us, so we are proud to have helped him develop his career to the point that he can now pursue his dream of coaching his home team.
"He leaves with nothing other than our very best wishes.
"Now our goal is simple, to find a replacement for Phil who will take us to our stated vision of playing Test cricket by 2019."
