NC State Athletics Director Debbie Yow announced today that NC State men’s basketball head coach Mark Gottfried will not return following the conclusion of the 2016-17 season. Gottfried led NC State to the NCAA tournament in his first four seasons with the Wolfpack, including Sweet 16 appearances in 2012 and 2015.

That success would not last, however, as NC State finished the 2015-16 season 16-17 overall and 5-13 in ACC play, missing the tournament for the first time in Gottfried’s tenure. The tough times continued into this season, as following Wednesday’s 97-73 loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels at PNC Arena, the Pack currently sits 14-13 overall and 3-11 in ACC play with four games to go in the regular season.

“Mark and I met today to discuss the future direction of our program,” Yow said in a press release from NC State Athletics. “While it has long been my practice to evaluate the body of work at season’s end, in reviewing the overall direction of our program, we believe a change in leadership is necessary moving forward. Our focus now remains on supporting our student-athletes and staff over the final weeks of our season.”

With Gottfried’s dismissal made official, NC State can begin searching for a new head coach immediately. Gottfried released the following statement in the same press release.

“It has been a privilege to serve as head coach of NC State, and I’m proud of what we have accomplished during my time here,” Gottfried said. “NC State is a special place and I appreciate the opportunity to finish the remainder of the season.”

The Pack’s next game is Saturday at PNC Arena against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at noon.