WASHINGTON – Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary and one of the most visible and forceful advocates for President Obama, is quitting his job to become an outside political adviser, part of what he described as a “major retooling” at the top levels of the of the White House.

The change is among the many expected in the coming days as Obama redefines his leadership team to gear up for a re-election bid and a more powerful Republican Party.

Gibbs said he would be leaving the White House by early February. The top contenders to replace him are two of his deputies, Bill Burton and Josh Earnest, and Jay Carney, who is communications director for Vice President Joe Biden.

The move allows Gibbs to escape the grinding pace of the press secretary’s job, make money giving speeches and spend more time with his wife, Mary Catherine, and their 7-year-old son, Ethan. He still will be a key voice in Obama’s decision-making, and he will end up back in a pivotal role in Obama’s campaign for a second term.

“What I’m going to do next is step back a little bit, recharge some,” Gibbs said.

In a statement, Obama described Gibbs as a friend and one of his closest advisers.

“I think it’s natural for him to want to step back, reflect and retool,” the president said. “That brings up some challenges and opportunities for the White House, but it doesn’t change the important role that Robert will continue to play on our team.”

The move alters the dynamic of the White House, particularly combined with the coming departure of senior adviser David Axelrod, who, like Gibbs, has been at Obama’s side for his entire presidential run.

Gibbs, 39, expressed gratitude for getting to serve in the White House.

“Over the course of the next two years, we’re going to be involved in discussions about which direction to take this country, and in 2012, we’ll have a presidential election,” he said.