Steve Clarke says stepping down as Scotland head coach was an "easy" decision because he had always planned to leave if the national team failed to reach the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 62-year-old informed his players on Saturday evening at the team's hotel in Charlotte after Scotland's elimination from a group featuring Brazil, Morocco and Haiti was confirmed, bringing an end to his seven-year spell in charge.
The announcement came just one month after Clarke signed a new four-year contract that would have covered Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup.
Speaking in an interview released by the Scottish Football Association after declining requests from the BBC, Clarke revealed that his decision had been made long before the tournament began.
"I always had it in my head that if we didn't come out of the group, which we've tried to do across three tournaments now, then it was probably the right time to step away," Clarke said.
"Signing the contract before the World Cup was about giving the players some stability and confidence that we could continue the journey.
"If we'd managed to get that extra point and qualified for the knockout rounds, I probably would have stayed and tried to lead the team into another tournament."
Clarke admitted the decision became straightforward because he had fulfilled the goals he set for himself as Scotland manager.
"I wanted to take my country to a major tournament, and we did that with the European Championship," he said.
"The first Euros in 2021 were affected by Covid, but qualifying for Germany in 2024 was fantastic. My lifelong ambition was also to take Scotland to a World Cup, and I've achieved that. It feels like the right time to step aside."
The former Scotland boss said it was important that his players heard the news directly from him before it became public.
"It was an emotional moment because so many of these players have been with me from the beginning," Clarke said.
"I wanted them to hear it from me first. I also spoke to my captain, Andy Robertson, beforehand because I knew he'd want the chance to respond."
Despite criticism following defeats to Morocco and Brazil, Clarke insists he leaves with positive memories of Scotland's World Cup campaign.
"I said before the tournament that I was going to enjoy it, and I did," he said.
"Walking out for the Haiti match with thousands of Scotland supporters in the stadium and my family watching was a special moment.
"The next two matches were difficult against two outstanding teams in Morocco and Brazil, who are capable of going deep into the tournament. We competed in both games, whatever people might say."
Clarke admitted Scotland lacked quality in the final third throughout his tenure but believes his successor can build on the foundations already in place.
"We showed character and played some good football. The one thing we were always searching for over these seven years was more quality in the final third, and I hope the next manager finds that."
Reflecting on his time in charge, Clarke said he is "100% proud" of what he achieved, particularly changing the mentality within the Scotland squad.
"My biggest achievement was helping the players believe they can compete at the highest level," he said.
"We'll become part of Scottish football folklore. People will still be talking about these matches and these occasions many years from now.
"Everyone says this group's time is over, but I don't believe that. Many of these players can still be part of Scotland's journey to Euro 2028."
