Bath coach Jon Callard has quit the Zurich Premiership outfit after less than two years in charge.

Callard confirmed that he will leave the Recreation Ground with immediate effect after effectively being passed over in a restructuring of the club.

Former Australian international Michael Foley, who only moved to Bath in December as assistant coach, has been appointed team director.

In a statement on the club's website, Callard said: "With the difference of opinion of the way the club should move forward it has been agreed by both parties to go our separate ways.

"My time at Bath has been fantastic and I would like to thank the players , supporters and the club and wish them well for the future."

Callard's departure means that half of the 12 Premiership coaches who started the campaign in August have now left their posts.

Callard's position has been the subject of intense speculation for some time.

Bath have failed to match pre-season expectations and have never recovered from a shock opening-day defeat at newly-promoted Leeds.

Kings of the game during the late 1980s and early 90s, Bath have also seen arch-rivals Leicester win three successive league titles - with a fourth almost certain this season - as well as capturing the Heineken Cup during their Treble campaign last term.

The last straw for Callard could have been the Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat by Llanelli in January, and it is unlikely the west country side will even qualify for next season's competition.

Callard was offered the chance to work under Foley in the capacity of head coach, but with a director of rugby also set to be installed as part of the overall restructuring process, the former England international has decided not to stay.

Andrew Brownsword, Bath's millionaire backer, added: "Jon Callard has made a major contribution to Bath as a player and a coach. We wish him the very best of luck in the future."

The other coaching casualties list from this season:

John Steele (Northampton) - saw Saints' coaching duties handed to former All Black chief Wayne Smith in November, following a below-par start to the season. Remained at Franklin's Gardens as director of rugby.

John Kingston (Harlequins) - Quins' flirtation with the relegation zone saw chief executive Mark Evans assume coaching control, as he did last season following the departure of Zinzan Brooke. Kingston was offered the chance to continue as forwards coach and accepted that post on Monday.

Francois Pienaar (Saracens) - Pienaar announced his intention to leave Vicarage Road as soon as a suitable replacement could be found, after a spectacular lack of success in his combined role as coach and chief executive. It had been assumed Tim Lane would take charge, but he announced on Monday he would not be returning from South Africa.

Philippe Saint-Andre (Gloucester) - resigned last month and returned to France to take over Bourgoin, citing interference from the Rugby Football Union, chiefly over the use of rugby league recruit Henry Paul.

Nigel Melville (Wasps) - quit the Loftus Road outfit last week after six years. The move had been widely predicted following the arrival of former Ireland coach Warren Gatland. Will be announced new Gloucester boss on Wednesday.

Jon Callard (Bath) - announced he was leaving the Recreation Ground on Tuesday after deciding not to work under new team director Michael Foley.