Phil Wheddon has resigned from his position as head coach of Syracuse to “pursue other opportunities.” Assistant coach Kelly Lawrence will take over as interim head coach, SU Athletics announced Friday. The decision comes less than 24 hours after the Orange’s season-ending 3-0 loss to Clemson on Thursday night.

Syracuse went 64-98-25 in 11 seasons under Wheddon, who became the third head coach in program history in the spring of 2008. In 2018, Wheddon coached SU to a 3-15 record, its worst finish during his tenure. The Orange were winless in conference play for the first time since 2002.

“I thank all of the student-athletes, past and present, who have represented the Orange, and I appreciate Syracuse University for the opportunity to lead the women’s soccer program,” Wheddon said in the release. “At this time, however, I have decided to resign my position as head coach to pursue other opportunities. It has been an honor to lead the program. I wish everyone associated with it all the best.”

Lawrence takes over the program after spending the past four seasons as an assistant coach. Prior to SU, Lawrence coached at Monmouth University (New Jersey), where she primarily handled the defensive back line, recruiting, and other day-to-day operations.

As a player, Lawrence was a four-year starter at Indiana University where she earned All-Big Ten honors all four years. She won two Women’s Premier Soccer League Championships before retiring from professional play in 2011.