The Kangaroos are on the search for a new coach with Tim Sheens officially resigning from the post to take up a full-time job with English Super League side Salford.
After a third straight loss to New Zealand that surrendered the No.1 ranking in May, the Australian Rugby League Commission ordered a review of the national set-up to decide whether to keep Sheens as coach.
However, the 64-year-old made the choice for them, signing a three-year in England after an initial two-month advisory role at the invitation of owner Marwan Koukash.
Axed Manly coach Geoff Toovey is expected to be sounded out for the role, while State of Origin coaches Mal Meninga and Laurie Daley have also been mentioned as possibilities.
Sheens regained the World Cup from the Kiwis in 2013, and claimed two Four Nations titles.
NRL head of football Todd Greenberg paid tribute to Sheens, who took over from Ricky Stuart following the Kangaroos' 2008 World Cup final defeat to the Kiwis.
"Tim's record speaks for itself - his teams won 26 of 31 Test matches while he was Kangaroos coach," Greenberg said in a statement.
"We certainly thank Tim for his service and wish him all the best for the future."
Sheens will take-up a full-time director of rugby role with the Red Devils, who avoided relegation last week with a win over Widnes.
"Now we've survived successfully in Super League, I've had a good talk with the family and to Marwan," Sheens said.
"He offered me a three-year deal and we've accepted it.
"So I've resigned from the Australian group and I'll be ready to start in November."
Sheens announced Ian Watson, who had been acting head coach since the departure of Iestyn Harris two months ago, would remain in charge of the team, with assistance from Martin Gleeson and Garreth Carvell.
"It is a move in a slightly different direction for me," Sheens said.
"I will be involved in the coaching, but I'm not the senior coach - that will be Watto and I will be assisting him.
"He's done a great job in the Middle 8s and he should take all the credit for the club surviving in Super League.
"I'll be a sounding board for him and help him where I can."