University of Montana head coach Ryan Hanavan has stepped down after one season to pursue professional opportunities, the school has announced in a news release.

Hanavan, an environmental scientist who holds a Ph.D, has accepted a full-time position with the forest service in Flagstaff, Ariz. A replacement has not yet been named.

“I am sad to step down but excited for this career opportunity for myself and my family,” Hanavan said. “I have enjoyed many years as a coach in the PNCLL and will miss stepping on the practice field in the fall. I have been fortunate to be a part of so many great teams and have enjoyed working with everyone. I am confident that this program will do well next year and in the years to come.”

Hanavan was an assistant coach on Montana’s MCLA Division II national championship team in 2007, and he led the Grizzlies to a 6-7 record this past season.

“We had a great year under Coach Hanavan and a lot of what he taught us, both on and off the field, will continue to be a part of this program,” Montana team president Will Freihofer said in a news release. “We’re hoping to find another effective, experienced coach as soon as possible, but everything that Hanavan brought to our team will pay dividends in coming seasons.”