Oregon State University Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Barnes announced Friday men’s soccer head coach Steve Simmons has been let go.

“A change in leadership is a very difficult decision, but after careful review of the program we felt it was best to move in another direction,” Barnes said. “We thank Coach Simmons for his dedication to our men’s soccer program and University, and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Simmons has been the head coach for nine seasons at OSU and finishes his Beaver career with an overall record of 67-82-15. He brought the Beavers to one NCAA Tournament appearance in 2014.

Current Beaver assistant coach Ben Stoddard has been named interim head coach for the men’s soccer program. Stoddard finished his fourth season with the team in 2017 and came to OSU after serving two years as the graduate assistant coach for his alma mater, Indiana Wesleyan.

OSU Athletics leadership said they will immediately begin a national search to find a new head coach for the program.