Wilmots relieved of Belgium coaching duties

"Marc Wilmots is no longer our coach."

That was the rather ominous headline posted on the official Belgian football association website, with the Red Devils announcing Friday that Wilmots has been relieved of his duties as head coach of Belgium's national team after failing to impress at Euro 2016.

During his four-year tenure at the helm, Wilmots oversaw the greatest rise in the country's footballing history, with Belgium climbing from 54th place in the FIFA World Ranking to the top spot.

But that ranking brought with it incredible expectations at Euro 2016, and Wilmots failed to top Group E, conceding first place to Italy after an opening 2-0 loss to Antonio Conte's side. He then saw his side crash out in the quarter-finals after a 3-1 loss to underdog side Wales.

In the end, for all his accomplishments, Wilmots could not secure a trophy for this emergent group of talented players.

"We would like to thank Marc Wilmots for his work during the last four years," the Royal Belgian Football Association wrote in a statement. "There is a common sense that the team needs a new impulse to lead this group towards a top result at a major tournament."

While no replacement or interim coach was named, the Belgian FA affirmed its plans to appoint a new manager by September, in time for an international friendly against Spain on Sept. 1.