— North Carolina State head men's basketball coach Mark Gottfried will not return next season.

Gottfried, who owns a 122-82 record in five-plus seasons with the Wolfpack and 47-55 in ACC play, will finish the season with the team but will not return for the final year of his contract.

“Mark and I met today to discuss the future direction of our program,” said Director of Athletics Debbie Yow. “While it has long been my practice to evaluate the body of work at season’s end, in reviewing the overall direction of our program, we believe a change in leadership is necessary moving forward. Our focus now remains on supporting our student-athletes and staff over the final weeks of our season.”

The 53-year-old Gottfried has led the program to four NCAA Tournaments, including two Sweet 16s. His win total has declined in recent seasons, however, prompting speculation about his future. He was granted a two-year extension following the Wolfpack’s 2012 tournament run that would have carried him through the 2017-18 season.

NC State will owe Gottfried $2.28 million as part of his early termination buyout.

"It has been a privilege to serve as head coach of NC State, and I'm proud of what we have accomplished during my time here," Gottfried said. "NC State is a special place and I appreciate the opportunity to finish the remainder of the season."

Gottfried's son, Aaron, Tweeted a Yellow Pad image of his father's accomplishments shortly after news broke.

@Mark_Gottfried love you dad, saw first hand how hard you worked. Inspiring, and couldn't respect you more for not giving up! #NeverGiveUp pic.twitter.com/4GqGd3gsrO — Aaron Gottfried (@Aaron_Gottfried) February 16, 2017

NC State (14-13, 3-11 ACC) lost by 24 points to rival UNC Wednesday. That followed a 30-point loss to Wake Forest earlier in the week and a 51-point loss to UNC earlier in the season.

Gottfried is 400-230 in 19-plus seasons as a head coach that include stops at Murray State and Alabama.

NC State said the search for a new head coach will begin immediately.