Sacked Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade has had a change of heart and will stand aside straight away, with Paul Williams to fill in as caretaker coach for their last three matches of the AFL season.

Eade was told on Wednesday his contract would not be renewed by the Bulldogs after seven mostly successful years in charge.

He initially agreed to remain in the top job for the three remaining games against Port Adelaide, Hawthorn and Fremantle after receiving the support of the players.

But after mulling over the decision, Eade decided it was best to stand aside immediately.

Eade is now expected to be a strong contender for the vacant coaching positions at Melbourne and Adelaide.

Williams played 306 games for Collingwood and Sydney and was a member of the Swans' 2005 premiership team.

He began his coaching career as an assistant with Melbourne in 2007 and moved to the Whitten Oval two years later, being promoted to senior assistant in 2010.

"I am pleased to have the opportunity to guide the club through the remainder of the 2011 season," Williams said in a statement on Thursday.

"While the last couple of days have been difficult, this is a great club with a fantastic future.

"I am looking forward to working with the players, coaches and staff as we move into this new and exciting phase.

"Identifying and securing our next coach is an absolute priority and will be done as soon as possible, recognising the importance of the role."

The 12th-placed Bulldogs are out of finals contention.

Former Bulldogs star and current Hawthorn assistant Leon Cameron is the early favourite to get the nod to replace Eade on a full-time basis for the 2012 season and beyond.

It was unclear whether Williams would be a contender for the full-time position.

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