England captain Michael Vaughan admits Duncan Fletcher chose "the right time" to resign after eight years as coach.
Duncan's coaching hasn't changed much over the last year but the players haven't responded
Fletcher announced he would step down after England's exit from the World Cup on Thursday and Vaughan said: "All good things have to come to an end.
"I think he's made the right decision at the right time.
"The happenings of the last few months and where the team have been at on the playing field has been of concern and Duncan is right to move on."
Under Fletcher this winter, England have slumped out of the ICC Champions Trophy at the first opportunity, suffered the humiliation of a 5-0 Ashes series whitewash and limped out after a miserable World Cup campaign.
But Vaughan, who was given his international debut by Fletcher eight years ago, believes the players are just as responsible for the events of the winter.
"I think the players have got to hold their hands up and just say we haven't performed well enough as a team," he said.
"Duncan's coaching hasn't changed much over the last year but the players haven't responded and played as well as they can - we're disappointed as players because we feel we've let him down in some way.
I said to him that no matter what happens on Saturday (against the West Indies)...he can be very proud
"As players you sometimes have to look in the mirror and ask ourselves if we've got the best out of our ability and the answer over the last few months is probably 'no'. That is an area we all have to look at."
And the Yorkshire batsman also revealed it was a "sad moment" when Fletcher told him he would be resigning.
"He sat down with me the other night and told me he would be resigning. It was a sad moment because I know how much he's influenced my career and, more importantly, how much he's influenced English cricket.
"I said to him that no matter what happens on Saturday (against the West Indies) that he can walk away back to his house in Cape Town, have a few beers, have a round of golf and be very proud."
Vaughan will captain England in the first Test against West Indies at Lord's in May.
But the selectors may elect to make a change for the next series of one-day matches after Vaughan's dismal performances in 50-over cricket.