Coach Brian Smith's sudden departure from Wakefield first became apparent to the Super League club's chairman when he received a text message from a rival chief executive.
Wildcats chairman Michael Carter, who employed Smith as coach nine months ago, says the former NRL mentor offered no explanation when he later confirmed he was quitting the club.
"I actually got a text message from a CEO of another club asking if I was on the look-out for a new head coach, which came as a bit of a surprise," Carter said.
"I texted him back saying, 'I don't know what you are on about', and within an hour Brian walked into the office, said he was terminating his contract and walked out. And that was it."
Carter and Smith have endured a frosty relationship since Christmas, but the club's captain Danny Kirmond said Smith had told him he was leaving for personal reasons.
Smith, 61, has guided Wakefield to just one win from five games this season after taking them to glory in the million-pound match last season over Bradford to ensure a spot in the top-flight competition.
The Wildcats operate on a limited playing budget, however according to Carter, Smith is the highest-paid coach in the club's history.
His coaching future now remains up in the air as a possible return to the NRL looms.
Smith last coached the Sydney Roosters in 2012, however his 25-season coaching career in Australia also included stints at Illawarra, St George, Parramatta and Newcastle.
He also conducted the infamous review into the Wests Tigers in 2014 that ultimately saw the sacking of Mick Potter.
Current Tigers mentor Jason Taylor is among the NRL coaches under the most pressure to begin the season, after his attempts to shed the club of former captain Robbie Farah.
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