Slater's tenure ended with Auburn's 11-7 loss to LSU Saturday, a game preceded by a meeting with athletic director Jay Jacobs that settled the coach's future with the program.
``Jay and I met this morning and we mutually agreed that there is going to be a change,'' Slater said in a statement which expressed his appreciation ``for the wonderful opportunity I was given to be the head coach.''
The Tigers finished 28-28 and went 11-19 in the SEC, failing to qualify for the eight-team league tournament for a fifth consecutive year.
Slater was an Auburn assistant from 1995-2000 and returned four years later as head coach.
He posted a winning overall record (115-113), but struggled in the league. Slater was 43-77 against SEC teams and had an 18-game league losing streak extending into the 2007 season.
``We appreciate Tom's efforts and the hard work and dedication of he and his staff over the last four years,'' Jacobs said. ``We wish Tom, his staff and their families the best of luck in their future endeavors.''
Slater led Auburn to an NCAA regional trip in his first season despite failing to make the SEC tournament.
Tom Slater, right, resigned after four seasons at the helm at Auburn.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/5/210055