Providence, RI -- (Sports Network) - Providence College has fired men's head basketball coach Tim Welsh on the heels of the school's third losing season in the past four years.

The Friars were 15-16 this past season, Welsh's 10th at the helm. Providence earned just two NCAA Tournament appearances and won exactly one Big East Tournament game during his tenure.

"I appreciate all the hard work and dedication that Tim has put into this program over the last 10 years," said athletic director Bob Driscoll. "He represented the college with dignity and class. However, I felt that it was in the best interest of the program and Providence College to make a change in leadership."

Welsh was named the 13th head coach of the Providence program on April 2, 1998. He led the Friars to an overall mark of 160-143 with a 72-92 record in Big East regular-season play. The team was just 1-9 in Big East Tournament action, including a loss to West Virginia in the first round of this year's tourney.

In just five of his 10 seasons, the Friars qualified for postseason action -- appearing in the NCAA Tournament in 2001 and 2004 with NIT trips in 1999, 2003 and 2007.

Driscoll plans to begin an immediate search for a new head coach.

"This is a very important decision and I will work diligently to find someone who will lead our men's basketball program and guide our student-athletes," Driscoll added. "Providence College has a rich tradition in men's basketball. I have very high standards for the program and I expect that we will find the best person to move the program forward."

Welsh received a contract extension through the 2008-09 season after the Friars' last NCAA Tournament appearance in 2004. The team was just 59-61 in the four seasons since.

Prior to his arrival at Providence, Welsh enjoyed a three-year stint as head coach of Iona. He led the Gaels to three consecutive 20-win seasons, finishing with a record of 70-22. His 1997-98 squad went 27-6 and became the first Iona team to advance to the NCAA Tournament since 1985.