MIAMI – The Florida International baseball team is looking for a new coach after the resignation of former coach Turtle Thomas, who spent nine seasons at the helm of the Panthers' baseball program.
FIU athletic director Pete Garcia released a statement Wednesday announcing Thomas' resignation.
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Garcia said Thomas informed him Wednesday "of his decision to step down to pursue other opportunities."
"We are sorry to see him go," Garcia said.
Thomas won 282 games while leading FIU to two conference titles and three NCAA tournament appearances.
Since Thomas took over after the 2007 season, the Panthers have had 15 All-American and five freshman All-America selections. Twenty FIU players have also been chosen in the Major League Baseball draft.
The Panthers last made the NCAA tournament in 2015 after winning the Conference USA tournament title, but they couldn't repeat their success this season, finishing with a .500 record (29-29) and a 15-15 mark in C-USA play.
Garcia said a nationwide search for Thomas' replacement will begin immediately.