Andy Robinson has left his role as Bristol director of rugby, the club have announced.
Robinson was suspended last week following the club's poor start to the season which has seen them fail to win any of their seven league games this campaign and Mark Tainton was appointed as acting head coach.
The former England and Scotland head coach has been in charge since March 2013 and led the club to the Championship title and promotion to the Aviva Premiership last season but has departed Ashton Gate with immediate effect.
Bristol chairman Chris Booy said: "We thank Andy for his contribution to the overall coaching set up at the club. Unfortunately, the board lost confidence that Andy would retain the club's Premiership position, bearing in mind the results to date.
"Andy departs with the knowledge that he made a significant contribution in helping Bristol return to the Premiership this season. Andy leaves with the club's very best wishes and we all wish him every success in the next chapter of his career."
Source: PA
