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KNOXVILLE, Tennessee (WATE) – The University of Tennessee has confirmed that it is separating from head coach of women's basketball, Holly Warlick.
A press release from the sports department says Warlick was relieved of his duties on Wednesday.
"Holly and I met this afternoon and I informed her of the decision to change leadership within the program," said athletics director Phillip Fulmer. "Even though making this decision is difficult, I am responsible for doing what I deem best for this historic program.It is important for all of us that Lady Vols basketball maintains its status among the elite."
A national search for the next coach is underway. Assistant Coach Dean Lockwood will oversee the program until the new head coach is hired.
Warlick was named head coach in 2012 following the retirement of Pat Summitt due to a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. His record since then is 172-67, but the team did not pass the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament and lost in the first round this year only for the second time. The team was only tightly included in the tournament, which would have been the first time.
Related story: Holly Warlick: NCAA Tournament's untimely exit feeds speculation about the future of coaching in Tennessee
The Lady Flights finished 19-13 this year, the team's worst season in the era of NCAA tournaments.
Rumors have circulated about Warlick's status with the team since the loss of the NCAA tournament.
PICTURES: Holly Warlick, coach of the Lady Flights of Tennessee
Warlick was under contract with Tennessee until 2022 following an extension of contract that occurred in August. This will be the first coaching research in this history of Lady Vol basketball.
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