Bruce Arena's tenure as head coach of Red Bull New York same to a surprising end on Monday, with the former US National Team boss and the New York club parting ways by mutual consent.

Arena coached New York for one-and-a-half seasons, leading the Red Bulls to the MLS playoffs both years. Arena's last game in charge was on Saturday, when New York was knocked out of the playoffs with a 1-0 loss to the New England Revolution.

"Marc (de Grandpre, NYRB managing director) and I discussed the direction of the team and decided mutually that this was the best move for Red Bull New York," Arena said. "I wish the organization the best of luck going forward."

After taking over Red Bulls following Mo Johnston's departure in 2006, Arena led the beleaguered New York team to a spot in the playoffs, where they were knocked out by DC United.

This season was Arena's first full term in charge, and it saw the Red Bulls become an early force in the Eastern Conference, with big-name addition Juan Pablo Angel and teenager Jozy Altidore leading the way to an early lead in the MLS standings.

However, Arena's squad struggled for consistency in the latter half of the season, and eventually finished third in the Eastern Conference.