Scott and chairman Ben Buckley fronted a packed media conference at the AFL club on Sunday to confirm what was widely known on Friday when news of their mutual decision to part ways was leaked.

As for why the decision was made 10 games into the season and with Scott contracted for next year, both parties agreed that with the club set to embark on a period of change, a new voice was required in the top job.

"The strategic direction (that I) presented to the board was with a view that I've always preached that you do what's right for the club," Scott said.

"Put the club first in all of your dealings and let the cards fall where they fall.

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"While I would love the opportunity to coach this great football club with all of the impediments removed, I said to the board the club needs fresh air in my view to do the things that it needs to do.

"This game is a fantastic game but a senior coach coaching for 10 years and undertaking a strategic shift ... I just felt the time was right for the club to get the fresh air that it needs.

"In order to do that and with my philosophy of putting the club first above all else I made the offer to step aside."

Buckley confirmed assistant coach Rhyce Shaw will step in as caretaker for the remainder of the season.

Brad Scott has officially announced his departure from North Melbourne. Credit: AAP

Scott's players farewelled him with a surprise 25-point win over the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Saturday, his 211th game as senior coach of the club he joined in 2010.

He leaves with a 106-105 coaching record, having guided them to preliminary finals in 2014 and 2015 and elimination finals in 2012 and 2016.

But the Roos' onfield struggles this season - they had won just two games after nine rounds - were a key factor in bringing forward his departure.

Buckley said the board decided to accept Scott's offer to move on at a meeting on Friday.

"(We) agreed with Brad that the time was right for him to step aside and we accepted his offer," Buckley said.

North Melbourne coach Brad Scott has farewelled his AFL side after 10 years at the helm. Credit: AAP

"After a meeting between (chief executive) Carl (Dilena) and Brad on Friday afternoon the terms for a mutual parting of ways were agreed upon.

"Brad's offer to step aside was nothing short of selfless and honourable - terms befitting his character.

"Brad has always been upfront, honest and preached a club-first approach ... he has stayed true to his word."

As well as the search for a new coach, a club-wide review will commence this week and will be undertaken by Peter Nash, the former national chairman of KPMG, former club football director Glenn Archer and current board member Brian Walsh.

NORTH MELBOURNE COACH BRAD SCOTT

* DOB: 3/5/76

* Played 168 games at Hawthorn, Brisbane 1997-2006

* Two-time Lions premiership player

* Started coaching North Melbourne in 2010

* Coached North in 211 games, 106 wins

* 2014-15 preliminary finals, plus elimination finals in 2012 and 2016

Watch his full press conference in the video above.