Nantes coach Rene Girard has left his job with the struggling Ligue 1 club, a statement on their official website has confirmed.
Girard, who guided Montpellier to a surprise Ligue 1 crown in 2011-12, was appointed in the summer, signing a two-year contract.
However, his team have struggling to deliver on the pitch and are second from bottom of the French top flight following Tuesday's 6-0 home defeat to Lyon.
"FC Nantes and Rene Girard have, in amicable fashion, decided to end their collaboration," the statement said.
Philippe Mao, previously the club's reserve team coach, takes charge of the team for Saturday's trip to Guingamp.