Southeastern Louisiana University will immediately begin a national search for a new head men’s basketball coach, university Director of Athletics Jay Artigues announced on Monday.

After completing his ninth season at the helm of the program, Jim Yarbrough will not return as head coach. Micheal Cyprien, who played for Yarbrough and has been a part of his staff the past two seasons at Southeastern, will serve as interim head coach during the search process.

"We are very appreciative of the contributions Jim has made to our university and wish him well in the future," Artigues said. "After taking a hard look at how the program has developed, I felt it was time to move in a new direction. We will immediately begin a national search for a new head coach."

During his tenure, Yarbrough finished with an on-court career record of 133-135. He led the Lions to eight Southland Conference Tournament appearances and 13 of his players earned All-Southland Conference honors. In Yarbrough’s first season, Ricky Woods was named the Southland Conference Player of the Year.

The Lions finished the 2013-14 season with a 12-18 overall record and a 7-11 record in Southland Conference play, falling in the first round of the Southland Conference Tournament to in-state rival Nicholls State.