Published Tuesday, 07 February 2012
Press speculation in the last couple of weeks indicated that McLaughlin's contract as the senior team coach would not be renewed.
There was surprise at the news because of McLaughlin's success in leading Ulster to qualifying for the Heineken Cup quarter finals this season and last.
The confirmation of the demotion came at a press conference on Tuesday at Ravenhill when David Humphreys, the director of rugby, explained the change.
McLaughlin will work alongside former Ulster player Gary Longwell in the Academy coaching set up.
Brian McLaughlin said he was disappointed not to retain his coaching role with the senior team.
"I'm disappointed because I feel I haven't finished the job yet - I would like to be going on further but that is not the case.
"I believe we have the players and the present coaching team are more than good enough.
"I'm grateful to the Ulster Branch for offering me the safety net of another contract, but I'm a little bit disappointed I am having to use the safety net quite so quickly," he said.
Ulster Rugby's Director of Rugby David Humphreys said that the decision to replace Brian McLaughlin as coach had been in the pipeline since before Christmas.
"In professional sport there are long-term and short-term objectives and as part of our long-term strategy we are making a change to our head coach position.
"There's no doubting what Brian has achieved in his tenure as Head Coach over the past two and a half years and we hope that there is more to come this season as we prepare for the Heineken Cup quarter-final and push for a play-off place in the PRO12.
"We are aiming to make Ulster Rugby a leading force in European rugby and to do that we need to develop our Academy system and elite player pathway.
"Brian has a proven record and a genuine interest in this area and this role offers him an opportunity to shape the future of Ulster Rugby.
"Our youngsters will benefit enormously from his experience, he said.
David Humpreys said Ulster Rugby is in negotiations with a number of people who could replace McLaughlin as head coach.