Everhart Out As Duquesne University's Basketball Coach

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Duquesne University has announced that Ron Everhart will not be retained as the head men's basketball coach.

In a press release, Duquesne University Athletic Director Greg Amodio said their goal has always been to compete for the Atlantic 10 championship, and a change in leadership is needed to help refocus.

Amodio said: "I appreciate all Ron has done for our men's basketball program. He stepped into a difficult situation six years ago and was able to make Duquesne competitive in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Although the program has improved, our goal has always been to compete for the A-10 championship and consistently be in the hunt for high-level postseason play. I feel a change in leadership is necessary to help us refocus on that goal."

Everhart, from Fairmont, W. Va., has been with Duquesne for six years. He was named head coach in March of 2006.

In the press release, Everhart said: "I want to thank Duquesne University for a great opportunity. I am very proud of the significant improvements the program made in the past six years. I am also very proud of those who played for me - both for the awards and honors they were able to achieve and for the way they represented the University."

This season, the Dukes finished with a 16-15 record. They lost at Massachusetts in the first round of the Atlantic 10 Championship.

In 2009, Duquesne made its first post-season appearance since 1994 when they went to the NIT.

Amodio says he will begin looking for Everhart's successor immediately.

Duquesne University has scheduled a press conference for this afternoon.

Stay with KDKA for the latest details.

RELATED LINKS:
Duquesne Dukes
The Aly Way Blog