Connacht and the IRFU have confirmed that head coach Kieran Keane will depart the province with immediate effect.
The announcement was expected following a disappointing season, with Connacht stating they arrived at the decision after looking at the "direction" the team was taking.
The 2016 champions won just seven of their 21 Pro 14 games, the same record as Conference A bottom side Zebre.
Connacht chief executive Willie Ruane said: "After an assessment of the direction in which Connacht Rugby was going we have come to an agreement with Kieran Keane that he will leave the province with immediate effect.
"I would like to thank Kieran Keane for his efforts with Connacht Rugby this season and wish him well for the future.
"In conjunction with the IRFU we will now begin the process of recruiting a new head coach."
Former Ireland head coach Eddie O'Sullivan said he would be interested in the position but does not anticipate being a contender.
He told 2fm: "I'm open to taking a coaching job. I don't think I'd be in the running for it. This is the third time it has come up. I live 25 miles out of the road and I haven't been called yet! They have my phone number but I'm not waiting by the phone!
"I've applied for numerous jobs in Ireland and I haven't been able to get one, I don't know why. No one's ever been able to tell me that."
