CLINTON, Iowa - After 14 years as head coach of the Ashford University men's basketball program, Andy Eberhart announced he is stepping down from his current position to pursue internal opportunities within the athletics department.

In his final season at the helm of the Saints, Eberhart guided Ashford to Midwest Collegiate Conference championship contention in the midst of a 20-win campaign. He coached a pair of seniors, Daniel Joiner and Byron Emerson, to first-team all-league honors and closed his career with 162 wins as the longest-tenured head coach in school history.

"I'm excited about taking on different administrative responsibilities that coincide with the growth of the Ashford athletic department," Eberhart said. "I'm going to miss coaching, but I'll be the team's biggest fan and they will always have a special place in my heart."

Eberhart will be transitioning into his new role as an Associate Athletics Director effective immediately as an administrator with Ashford Athletics Director Meg Schebler.

"Andy personifies all that is right in the coaching profession," Schebler said. "He has been an outstanding coach, mentor, leader and representative of our institution. I am so happy he had an outstanding season this year."

"How do you replace a coach of his caliber and character?" she added. "Not easily, I can tell you that. Andy has been a huge part of the athletics program here for years, and I'm thrilled he will be able to impact the entire department even more effectively as a full-time administrator."

All told, Eberhart led then-Mount St. Clare College to the school's first NAIA National Tournament appearance in 2002, coached a total of three NAIA All-Americans and had two squads (1998-99, 2009-10) reach the 20-win single-season milestone. A total of 30 student-athletes received all-conference honors under his tutelage.

Eberhart also led the Saints to the season's highest conference win total this year in school history, collecting 10 victories throughout league play.

Eberhart began coaching at Ashford after graduation from the University of Northern Iowa with successful stints as an assistant coach under the late John Lingle in 1993-94 and Ed Knupp (1994-96). His first season as head coach began in 1996-97.

Assistant Coach Justin Jackson is continuing the recruiting process for next season in the wake of Eberhart's departure.

"I'd like to thank the faculty, staff, administration, my family and Meg (Schebler), for all the support I've received through the years," Eberhart said. "I'd also like to extend my gratitude towards the late Dr. James Ross for hiring me and the late John Lingle and John Davis, who got me started as a head coach."

"The program is in great hands for my successor," he added. "We have a tremendous amount of talent returning for next season and the future is certainly bright."

A search will be conducted by the university for the program's next head coach.