“We appreciate everything that coach Fancher has done for Appalachian men’s basketball, Mountaineer athletics and the University as a whole over the past 13 years,” Director of Athletics, Charlie Cobb, said. “He has been a terrific ambassador for ASU, a valued member of the community and an outstanding leader of young men. We wish coach Fancher nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”

Fancher finished this season after a loss in the quarterfinals of the Southern Conference Tournament to No. 1 seed Davidson College with a 13-18 record.

It was a record which dropped noticeably from success after a 25-win season just two years ago.

Fancher said he was grateful for his time spent at Appalachian, where he finished with an overall record of 137-136.

The veteran coach also guided the Mountaineers to three SoCon North Division Championships.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to represent Appalachian State University for the past 13 years, including the last nine as head coach,” Fancher said. “I hope that I have done so with the class and dignity that the position deserves.”

Fancher was careful to thank those who supported him during his tenure at the university.

“I want to thank Chancellor [Kenneth E.] Peacock and Charlie Cobb for their support,” Fancher said. “It has been a wonderful experience for me to build a program. The next head coach at ASU will be fortunate to coach the terrific group of kids that are in the program.”

Fancher will be paid for the final year of his contract, which was scheduled to run to 2010.

The search for a new coach will begin immediately, according to the university’s release.

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