The contract of University of Florida softball coach Karen Johns will not be renewed, Athletics Director Jeremy Foley announced Friday. The search for a replacement will begin immediately.

"We would like to thank Karen for all she has done on behalf of the Florida softball program - she is a wonderful person that truly cared about the Gators. We wish her the best in her future endeavors," said Foley.  "But after an honest and open evaluation of the program, it became evident that this program was not achieving the success that we envisioned. I feel a change in leadership is necessary to have the Gator softball program be in a position to consistently rank among the nation's best."

Johns took over the Gator softball program for the 2001 season. Florida registered 41 wins in each of the last three seasons, with the team achieving its best winning percentage under Johns of .672 (41-20) in 2004. Eight Gators have picked up a total of 12 All-SEC honors and five were named to National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Southeast Region teams since 2001.

In Southeastern Conference action, Florida turned in its best regular-season finishes of fifth in 2001, '03 and '05. Florida received NCAA Tournament berths in 2001, '03, '04 and '05 and owns a record of 3-8 in NCAA play.

Prior to being named the head coach at Florida in the summer of 2000, Johns was an assistant coach at the University of Alabama from 1996-00.

"The University of Florida is an exceptional school with a great tradition. The future looks bright for the Gator softball program.  I have a lot of great memories to take with me of the athletes and Gator fans that I've been privileged to work with in the past five years," Johns said. "I wish the team and next coach well."