Auburn women's basketball parts ways with coach Terri Williams-Flournoy

Auburn Tigers women's basketball coach Terri Williams-Flournoy won't be back for a 10th year in charge of the program. 

Via an official school release, Auburn athletic director Allen Greene announced that Williams-Flournoy is out after nine years in charge. A national search for her replacement will begin immediately. 

Per ESPN and the Associated Press, Greene's statement came a day after the Tigers lost to the Florida Gators in the first round of the Southeastern Conference Tournament. That defeat ended a brutal campaign in which Auburn went 5-19 overall and dropped all 15 conference games. The Tigers lost their final 17 contests. 

"This year was full of unexpected challenges. Coach Flo, her staff and our student-athletes should be commended for their attitude and effort in the face of disruption and adversity," Greene said in the prepared statement. "Our women's basketball program under Coach Flo's leadership consistently represented Auburn with class on and off the court, and we are grateful for her nine years of dedicated service to our student-athletes and the Auburn Family. We wish her the very best in her future endeavors." 

Williams-Flournoy added: 

"I am grateful for the opportunity to have served Auburn University and the women's basketball program for the past nine seasons. It was a great honor and privilege and an experience I will cherish. I will forever be appreciative of our staff and student-athletes during our tenure and the way each represented Auburn with class and dignity. As a change in leadership was determined, I would like to thank President Gogue and Allen Greene for their trust in my leadership over my time here. Auburn will always hold a special place in my heart."

Williams-Flournoy went 140-138 overall and 48-96 in league play. She guided Auburn to NCAA tournament appearances in 2016, 2017 and 2019.