Kiwi Crowley walks out on Canada
Crowley's dramatic decision came just two weeks after signing a contract extension that would have taken him through the 2019 World Cup qualifiers.
The 54-year-old was leaving with immediate effect and would take up a post with a club in Europe, Rugby Canada said.
"We are disappointed to see Kieran leave," Gareth Rees, the men's programme manager for Rugby Canada, said.
"However, we appreciate all he has given our program over the past eight years and wish both him and his family the very best as he takes on a new challenge in Europe."
"The 2015 World Cup didn't produce the results we needed, but the team played at the very highest level and threatened the world's top teams.
"Rugby Canada is gearing up for a huge challenge leading into qualification for 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan," added Rees.
"We have made significant changes to our set up and the players and coaches are excited and ready to get to work for the Canadian cause."
Crowley, who had been in charge since 2008 and led Canada to the 2011 and 2015 World Cup tournaments, last month signed a two-year extension that lasted until 2017, after the qualifiers for the next tournament in Japan.
Canada failed to grab an automatic qualifying berth for the 2019 World Cup after losing all four of their games at the 2015 tournament in England and finishing last in their pool.
When signing the contract extension last month, Crowley had said: "It is important for me to remain with Canada and support our team to achieve the success I know we are capable of achieving."
The Canadian women's team coach Francois Ratier will take over the men's team for the Americas Rugby Championship, which starts next month, while the organisation searches for a permanent replacement.
Canada face Uruguay in Langford, British Columbia on February 6 in their first match in the ARC.
"We have made significant changes to our set up and the players and coaches are excited and ready to get to work for the Canadian cause," Rees added.
"Rugby Canada is gearing up for a huge challenge leading into qualification for 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan."
Rugby Canada General Manager of Rugby Operations and Performance Jim Dixon, said he was confident the players will continue to step up and perform under Ratier's leadership at the Americas Rugby Championship.
"Ratier's interim work with the men's Program will not interfere with his ability to lead our women's national 15-a-side team, as there are no matches or camps planned for this period," said Dixon.
Following an extensive World Cup review process Crowley was offered the role of senior men's coach through the 2019 World Cup Qualifiers.
Crowley accepted that role in late December. However earlier this week, Crowley informed Rugby Canada of his subsequent resignation.
"Rugby Canada has already begun a global search for a permanent head coach," added Dixon.
"It is expected there will be plenty of interest in fulfilling this important role and the necessary time will be taken to find the right candidate."
