Akron coach Keith Dambrot leaves program after 13 seasons

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Akron coach Keith Dambrot has left the school after a record-setting 27-9 season.

Dambrot's stunning departure was announced by the school, which released a statement Monday night thanking him "for the enormous contributions" and saying "we wish him well as he moves along."

Dambrot spent 13 seasons at Akron, compiling a 305-139 record. The Zips won at least 20 games in 12 straight seasons and earned three NCAA tournament bids under Dambrot, considered the best coach in the Mid-American Conference. Akron set a school record for wins this season, but the top-seeded Zips were beaten in the MAC championship by rival Kent State and played in the NIT.

Dambrot has turned down other coaching jobs in the past to stay at Akron.

He reportedly met in recent days with officials at Duquesne, where his father played.

Akron said it will immediately launch a national search for a new coach.