Published Wednesday, 08 February 2012
He's being replaced this summer and will take up a senior coaching role within the Ulster Academy.
McLaughlin's downcast appearance on Wednesday, as he appeared alongside director of rugby David Humphreys, spoke volumes about his disappointment over the decisions taken regarding his career.
But on Thursday, he said he wanted to clarify the situation and "apologise for any misunderstanding".
I look forward to finishing this season strongly with the senior team and am committed to my new role developing the Ulster players of the future.
Brian McLaughlin
"While I will be leaving the post of Head Coach in June this year, I will not be leaving the staff and in fact will take on a senior coaching role within the Ulster Academy," McLaughlin said.
"This is an important role which I take very seriously and one to which I will bring extensive experience. It also indicates the investment we are making in our future players."
According to Humphreys, the decision to replace McLaughlin had been in the pipeline before Christmas and negotiations are now underway with a number of possible successors.
The news came as something of a surprise, given Ulster's qualification for the Heineken Cup quarter-finals both this season and last.