“We have experienced some lows and enjoyed some incredible highs together and he has been a key part of the successes this club has had.
“I feel now, coming out of the Premiership Rugby Cup period, is the right time for us to start the process of heading in a different direction with elements of our game next season.”
Hepher’s replacement, ex-London Scottish and Northampton forward Hunter, 52, joined Exeter in 2013 after a successful spell as England Under-20s head coach.
“This is also a huge opportunity for Rob Hunter to organise and run the programme, he has a great appetite for the game and the challenges ahead,” Baxter added.
“I feel a fresh burst of ideas and energy, alongside the increased responsibilities he will have, will bring out the best in him and prove successful for the club.”
Exeter will bring in a new attack and backs coach at the end of the campaign, with Hepher moving into “a transition coach role with responsibilities for coaching and managing the club’s senior academy players”.
“I know he [Hepher] is really looking forward to a return to development coaching with our best young players to ensure we get the very best out of our talent pool,” Baxter added.
