THE WESTERN Bulldogs and senior assistant coach Brett Montgomery have parted ways, effective immediately.

The decision to move on after six seasons as a Bulldogs' assistant comes at an odd time as the club is just weeks away from consecutive finals series under coach Luke Beveridge.

There had been rumblings from the Whitten Oval that Montgomery had been desperately disappointed to miss out on the senior job following Beveridge's appointment in late 2014.

The 43-year-old took some time to recommit to the Dogs after Beveridge won the role. 

Bulldogs director of football Chris Grant said Montgomery's decision to seek other coaching opportunities was shared by the club.

"The decision to part ways at this time of the year was a mutual one, allowing Brett more time to start planning for the next phase of his career," Grant said. 

"We are sure that Brett has a bright career path in football ahead of him and we wish him and his family the very best for the future."

Montgomery, the 2014 AFLCA assistant coach of the year, is one of four coaches selected to take part in the second intake of the AFL’s Level 4 Coaching course.

It's the second key departure from the Bulldogs within a month, with David Stevenson resigning as the club's CEO on July 26.

Stevenson was replaced in the vitally important role by board member Gary Kent.