Robbie Fowler has been released by new Blackburn after manager Sam Allardyce decided not to extend his contract.
Fowler, 33, was signed by former Rovers boss Paul Ince on a three-month "pay-as-you-play" deal, which expires at the end of December.
Grimsby confirmed two weeks ago that they were in talks to bring Fowler in on a player-coach role.
Defensive coach Nigel Winterburn, who was signed on a part-time basis in July, also leaves Ewood Park.
Allardyce said: "We have decided to let Robbie Fowler go. His contract was due for renewal and I decided not to renew that.
"I also spoke to Nigel Winterburn today to say that, from my point of view, in terms of specialist defensive coaching, I think I can look after that area myself now."
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