Pitt fires Agnus Berenato

From Pittsburgh:

University of Pittsburgh athletic director Steve Pederson announced today that Agnus Berenato will not return as the Panthers’ head women’s basketball coach.

“We thank Agnus for her contributions to the University and wish her only the best in her future pursuits,” Pederson said.

Berenato was named Pitt’s head coach on May 1, 2003. She compiled a 161-149 overall record (.519) and a 64-111 Big East regular-season and tournament mark (.366) with the Panthers. Berenato’s overall head coaching record stands at 444-413 in 29 seasons (.518).

Her tenure at Pitt was highlighted by three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances from 2007-09. Her final two NCAA teams each advanced to the Sweet 16.

The Panthers finished the 2012-13 season with a 9-21 overall record and 0-16 mark in Big East regular-season play. Pitt will join the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) next season.

“We have high aspirations for Pitt women’s basketball and have witnessed the program achieving at impressive levels in the past,” Pederson said. “As we begin ACC play next season, the time is right for a leadership change in the program.”

A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.