EUGENE, Ore. - University of Oregon Athletics Director Pat Kilkenny announced today that the contract of women’s basketball head coach Bev Smith will not be renewed.

Smith recently completed her eighth year as the Ducks’ head coach, compiling a 123-121 (.504) overall record, including a 9-21 mark this season.

“Bev is a wonderful person and is one of our greatest student-athletes of all-time, and this decision was not easy nor taken lightly,” Kilkenny said. “She always had the best interests of the University of Oregon first on her agenda, and always represented our university in a first-class manner. We wish coach Smith nothing but the best in the future, and thank her for her incredible efforts and dedication to Oregon, and all the of the student-athletes who have played for her.

“However, we have not had the success over time with our women’s basketball program that we now expect from all of our teams. While we remain patient with our programs, it is also important to recognize that our standards have evolved significantly upward over time. Those standards are reflected in many of our programs today, and it is critical that we meet first and foremost our student-athlete expectations in providing a second-to-none experience, and also those of our great and dedicated fans and donors.

“We will begin a national search immediately in an effort to meet those critical objectives, and to once again provide exciting, entertaining basketball at Mac Court and the new Matthew Knight Arena.”

During Smith’s tenure, Oregon made three postseason appearances. In 2002, the Ducks won the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT), and also advanced to the WNIT again in 2007, exiting in the third round.

Smith had one NCAA Tournament appearance with Oregon in 2005, when the Ducks fell in the second round to eventual national champion, Baylor.

Smith played for the women’s basketball program at Oregon from 1979-82. She was a two-time All-American and still holds career records for rebounds, steals and double-doubles.

SMITH’S YEAR-BY-YEAR (Overall/Pac-10 Conference/Postseason)
2001-02: 22-13/10-8(T-6th)/WNIT Championship
2002-03: 12-16/8-10(T-5th)
2003-04: 14-15/6-12 (8th)
2004-05: 21-10/12-6 (T-2nd)/NCAA 2nd Round
2005-06: 14-15/5-13(8th)
2006-07: 17-14/8-10(6th)/WNIT Third Round
2007-08: 14-17/7-11(7th)
2008-09: 9-21/5-13(8th)
Total: 123-121/61-83