For all intents and purposes, Don Mattingly's five-year tenure as the Los Angeles Dodgers manager was a successful one. He led the team to a winning record each season, earning the NL West title each of the past three years. 

It was, however, Mattingly's lack of postseason success that ended up catching up with him. 

The former star of the New York Yankees agreed to part ways with the Dodgers on Thursday, ending his tenure as the team's manager. 

In a statement announcing the decision, Mattingly had this to say: 

"I'm honored and proud to have had the opportunity to manage the Los Angeles Dodgers," said Mattingly. "I've enjoyed my experiences and relationships with the organization's staff and players throughout my eight years in L.A. After meeting with Andrew, Farhan and Josh, we all felt that a fresh start would be good for both the organization and me.

We talked about several scenarios, including my returning in 2016. However, I believe this is the right time and right move for both parties. I'm still very passionate about managing and hope to get the opportunity in the near future. In the meantime, I want to thank the Dodger organization, the city and our fans for the opportunity and wish the club well going forward."

The good thing here is that it looks like a clean break between the two sides. Though, there has been multiple rumors over the past year-plus indicating that Mattingly's job wasn't on safe ground. 

Los Angeles has won 92-plus games in each of the past two seasons, but has failed to get the World Series during that span. In fact, it has just one series win in those three years. 

In the end, that's likely what doomed Mattingly.