BUFFALO, NY - University at Buffalo Interim Director of Athletics Bill Maher has announced that Cheryl Dozier will not return as head coach of the women's basketball team. A national search for a replacement will commence immediately.

Dozier has been at the helm of the UB women's basketball program for the past seven seasons, compiling an 89-107 overall record. Her teams posted a 44-68 Mid-American Conference record over that time, with their best finish coming in 2000-01 when they tied for second in the MAC East Division and tied for third overall in the league's standings. Her teams were 2-7 in the MAC Tournament and reached the quarterfinals three times, most recently in 2002-03.

Dozier coached five All-MAC players and two MAC All-Freshman Team selections during her tenure, including Heather Turner, who was the 2004-05 MAC Freshman of the Year, and Sonia Ortega, who was the 2000-01 MAC Defensive Player of the Year. Tiffany Bell was also an honorable mention All-American for two seasons under Dozier's watch. However, the program has struggled the last two seasons, compiling a 10-45 record over the past two seasons and 6-26 in MAC play. In addition, Buffalo has won just two of its last 30 road games.

"Cheryl has made significant contributions to the University in her role as basketball coach, and her leadership provided our program a smooth transition into the Mid-American Conference," said Maher. "However, at this time, I do not believe the overall progress of the program is satisfactory and felt that a change in leadership was necessary.

"We will begin our search immediately for a new head coach and I am confident that the University's commitment to our basketball program will allow us to continue the strong tradition of women's basketball at UB," said Maher.

Dozier was announced as the 10th coach in UB women's basketball history on June 8, 1998 after a nine-year assistant coaching career at Michigan State (1993-98), Ohio (1991-93) and Lake Superior State (1989-91). She ranks second to Sal Buscaglia (155-71) in number of coaching wins in UB women's basketball history.