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Southern Oregon University hired Kevin Wilson in 2001 — to take the women's basketball program in a new direction. Four and a — half years later, Wilson's new direction is out the door. — SOU has decided not to extend Wilson's contract, the school — announced Tuesday. The run-and-gun guru who drew heated public criticism — from former players in December leaves SOU with a 53-64 record, including — a 4-25 mark in what turned out to be his final season. — Wilson, 46, could not be reached for comment and the search — for his replacement will probably have to wait until after the school — fills its athletic director vacancy. That search is currently in its final — stages. — The school made the announcement in the form of a short — written statement credited to SOU Executive Vice President and Provost — Earl Potter. It read: "Southern Oregon University announced the decision — to replace Kevin Wilson as Raider women's basketball coach. A nationwide — search for a new head coach will begin in the very near future. We thank — Kevin for his service to Southern Oregon University and wish him well — in his future endeavors." — The statement went on to point out that Wilson led the — Raiders to back-to-back Cascade Conference championships in 2002 and 2003. — — Wilson was hired to replace Shirley Huyett in the summer — of 2001 and made an immediate impact. Preaching a risk-taking, attacking — style on both offense and defense, he guided the Raiders to the NAIA Division — II National Championships in his first two years at the helm. SOU suffered — first-round losses both times. — It was all downhill from there. SOU finished seventh in — the Cascade Conference in 2004 and lost the first two games last season — before four players, including three starters, quit. Those players - senior — posts Lindsey Aitchison and Robyn Ward, sophomore point guard Jenna Ayers — and sophomore forward Emily Brough - later criticized Wilson's in-your-face — coaching style. — "We miss our team and we miss basketball, but I'm happier — now," Aitchison told The Tidings in December. "We're not mad. We're not — angry. We don't want revenge. It's about treating people right." — The foursome expounded upon those feelings in a five-page — letter, which was distributed on Nov. 15 to then-Athletic Director Phil — Pifer, Health/PE Department Chair Donna Mills, Vice President of Student — Affairs Diane Brimmer and President Elisabeth Zinser. The move sparked — an investigation into Wilson's program that SOU junior guard Chelsey Brock — said was a distraction all season long. — "I think this year was hard for everyone and there were — a lot of challenges that we had to face," Brock said in a phone interview — Tuesday night. "That had to fall on somebody and he unfortunately got — blamed for it. — I think he was really sidetracked with everything." — Brock, who was told of the move by interim Athletic Director — Dan Speasl on Tuesday, said she's disappointed that the school decided — to go in a different direction. — "I have mixed feelings about it, just because I'm really — close to him," said Brock, who started 25 of 29 games and was SOU's second-leading — scorer. "It's hard to see him go, obviously. I'm still kind of in shock — about it. I didn't actually think it would happen." — Andi Peterson, a sophomore forward, also was contacted — by The Tidings, but wasn't willing to comment. "I don't think I should — talk about it right now," she said. "I'm still taking it all in."