Dean Richards is to step down as Newcastle's director of rugby at the end of the season but will continue in a consultancy role.
Richards has spent the last decade at Kingston Park as part of a managerial career that began in 1998 and has included successful spells at Leicester, Grenoble and Harlequins.
The 58-year-old former England number eight will be replaced by current head coach Dave Walder while assistants Mark Laycock, Micky Ward and Scott MacLeod will remain in their roles.
A brief statement also revealed that although recently retired back row Mark Wilson is expected to return in a coaching capacity, Nick Easter and Toby Flood are departing in the summer.
"After 25 years as a director of rugby, the last 10 of those at Newcastle, Richards has taken the decision to step aside, although his vast experience will still be utilised in a new part-time consultancy role," the statement read.
