(release from bsubeavers.com)

Bemidji State University and its Head Women’s Basketball Coach Mike Curfman have mutually decided to part ways. Curfman will not return to lead the program for the 2015-16 season, wrapping up a decade-long career at BSU.

“I am thankful for Bemidji State University and have enjoyed my 10 years here, but I look forward to new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” Curfman said. “I have spent over half my life as a college basketball coach at four wonderful universities in Minnesota and want to explore other areas moving forward.

“I appreciate the hard work and effort put forth by the players, assistant coaches and everyone involved with the program.”

BSU Director of Athletics Tracy Dill thanked Curfman for his service to BSU.

“I want to thank Mike for his leadership with the women’s basketball team over the last 10 years,” Dill said, “and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Curfman finished his BSU coaching career with a 97-176 record, which includes a 57-143 mark against Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference competition, and led the Beavers to five NSIC Tournament appearances. Under his tutelage, 13 players were selected for All-NSIC honors, while 35 have earned a spot on the Academic All-NSIC team since 2005-06.

The Beavers’ best season under Curfman came in 2006-07, when they went 14-14, with a 9-9 mark in NSIC play to finish fifth.

A national search to identify a new head women’s basketball coach will begin immediately, Dill said.

Assistant Coach Mark Bagaason will be the primary contact for the program until a new head coach is in place.