The Bears and their premiership architect arrived at the decision together due to reasons outside the performance of the senior side on the field.
‘‘We’ve come to an agreement with Sean that he will cease coaching immediately due to personal reasons,’’ Shepparton president Will Phillips said.
‘‘It was mutually agreed that it was in the best interests of Sean and his family to finish up coaching with Shepparton.
‘‘The club fully supports Sean and appreciates his efforts as a premiership coach of the Shepparton Bears.’’
Harrap took the reins at the Bears in December 2017, and steered the outfit to a famous grand final victory last year against Kyabram — Shepparton’s first senior GVL premiership since 2000.
The sixth-placed Bears — who have a record of seven wins and six losses this season — will now look to appoint an interim coach ahead of a clash against Deakin Reserve co-tenant Shepparton United on Saturday.
‘‘The club is currently working on the next step,’’ Phillips said.
‘‘The assistant coaches — Troy King, Brendan Bicknell and Anthony Mellington — have all been briefed and the football department will work together to instal a caretaker or replacement coach.’’
Shepparton is the second reigning premier in the region to have a head coach step down this year after Phil Carroll resigned from the position at Murray Football League heavyweight Nathalia earlier this season.
Harrap was contacted for comment.
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