Penrith Panthers head coach Anthony Griffin has left the team by mutual consent just four weeks before the NRL play-offs begin.

Griffin had guided the team to the post-season in each of the previous two years and the Panthers are on course to make it again as they are four points off top spot with only four games to go.

However, despite back-to-back victories over Manly Sea Eagles and Canberra Raiders in their past two games, the Panthers have elected to make an immediate head-coaching change.

Griffin, who boasts one of the best winning percentages of all current coaches in the NRL, had a contract until 2020 but speculation over a possible exit had been building for some time.

"There has been much speculation and rumours about the club and head coach Anthony Griffin over the last few weeks," Panthers Group CEO Brian Fletcher said in a statement on their website.

"After discussions with Anthony Griffin, it is time to end that speculation. By mutual agreement, the club and Anthony have agreed to part ways, effective immediately.

"Anthony departs the club after much success, having taken the Panthers to the finals in the last two years and leaves the club on track for another finals appearance in 2018.

"We would like to thank Anthony for his service to Panthers and wish him well for the future."