Brad Scott has confirmed that he offered to step down from coaching duties at North Melbourne.

Key points: The club's chairman said the football department, including Scott, put forward a plan that included Scott leaving

The club's chairman said the football department, including Scott, put forward a plan that included Scott leaving Scott coached the Kangaroos in 211 games, winning his final game in charge

Scott coached the Kangaroos in 211 games, winning his final game in charge Rhyce Shaw will lead the side until the end of the season

Scott and Kangaroos chairman Ben Buckley told a media conference at the club's Arden Street home that the decision was mutual.

"Several weeks ago the football department, led by Brad Scott and Cameron Joyce, presented the football department's plan, which included Brad stepping aside," Buckley said.

"We decided to accept that offer."

Scott said that although he would have loved to continue in his role, the best thing for the club would be for him to step aside.

Brad Scott lead the Kangaroos to four finals campaigns. ( AAP: Tracey Nearmy )

"I have always preached that you do what is right for the club and put the club first in all of your dealings and let the cards fall where they fall," Scott said.

"While I would love the opportunity to coach this football club with all the impediments removed, I said to the board that 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.

"So in order to do that, and the philosophy of putting the club first above all else, I made the offer to step aside."

'There is nothing but blue sky for North Melbourne'

Scott took over the reigns at North Melbourne in 2010, leading the side in 211 games, including four finals berths.

Reports circulated widely about Scott's imminent departure prior to Saturday's 25-point victory over the Western Bulldogs at Docklands.

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Watch Duration: 43 seconds 43 s Brad Scott ran into David King on Saturday at three-quarter time

But the two-time Premiership winner with Brisbane wanted to first talk with all his players — who he referred to as "his boys".

"I have always defended you guys to the hilt and that is because of the quality of character that all of you guys are," Scott said to his players.

"I genuinely hope that I, in some small way, have helped shape the people you are and that you are going to become, because you guys have certainly shaped who I am. I have loved coaching you."

Scott said despite the disappointing 3-7 start to the season, the future was bright for the club.

"At the moment North Melbourne's future is anything but tumultuous," Scott said.

"We have removed all of the impediments that existed 10 years ago and there is nothing but blue sky for North Melbourne.

"I am extremely grateful that those impediments were there because they helped guide me and the team around me.

"It is how you respond to those obstacles that is important and I think this club, more than any other club that I have ever witnessed, embraces the challenge and overcomes obstacles that are placed in front of them."

'A true shinboner'

Brad Scott's last act as Kangaroos coach was to lead his side to a 25-point victory. ( AAP: Hamish Blair )

Buckley said Scott "poured his heart and soul into the club" since he arrived at the relatively young age of 34.

"Brad leaves North Melbourne as a true shinboner and he will always be a part of the family," he said.

Former Collingwood and Sydney defender Rhyce Shaw will coach the side for the rest of the season and then the hunt for a permanent appointment will begin.

Buckley also announced a full review of North Melbourne's football department, but said the identity of the next coach has not yet been identified.

"The board hasn't even had the discussion yet about what criteria would be," Buckley said.

"We will set up a selection committee … then they will define what criteria we should look at.

"Today is an opportunity to acknowledge the great contribution that Brad has made to the football club, and send him off with a fantastic North Melbourne farewell."

North Melbourne currently sits in 14th spot on the AFL ladder.

Scott has coached the club since 2010, leading the side in 211 games, the third most AFL/VFL matches a coach has managed at one club without making a grand final.