Anagnost resigns, accepts coaching job at Miami

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Central Michigan head women’s soccer coach Tom Anagnost resigned Wednesday to accept the head coaching position at the University of Miami.

Anagnost, while leading CMU to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances and Mid-American Conference titles, amassed a 40-12-7 overall record during three seasons as head coach.

Tom Anagnost

The Chippewas went 16-5-1 during the 2010 season, winning the conference regular season and tournament championships for the second consecutive year. They lost to No. 12 Marquette, 1-0, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

“Tom has done an outstanding job leading our women’s soccer program to unprecedented heights and we appreciate all of his efforts,” CMU Athletics Director Dave Heeke said in a prepared statement. “We wish him much success at the University of Miami. While it’s difficult to see him leave CMU, our program has a solid foundation and a culture of excellence that positions us well for the future.”

Assistant coach Neil Stafford has been named interim head coach until a search is conducted find a replacement.

Anagnost was named interim head coach midway through the 2008 season after Anthony DiTucci stepped down amid allegations of sexual harassment from players and helped guide the team to a 7-3-3 rest of the season, finishing 12-5-3 and second in the MAC. He was officially named head coach in 2009 and led CMU to a program-best 17-4-3 record and upset of No. 24 Purdue in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

He also helped maintain success in the classroom as the Chippewas finished first in the nation in team GPA for the sixth straight season.

Anagnost signed a 3-year contract extension over the summer that was set to expire following the 2012 season. He earned $57,600 this year.

Miami opted not to renew former head coach Tricia Taliaferro’s contract following the 2010 season, in which the Hurricanes finished 10-8-1 and did not qualify for the Atlantic Coast Conference postseason tournament. They went 77-85-14 in nine seasons under Taliaferro.

The school had been seeking a replacement since Nov. 9.

Anagnost did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.