PROVO — BYU fired women's volleyball coach Karen Lamb Thursday, one hour before a noon practice session. Assistant coach Jason Watson replaced Lamb's coaching duties. The university is expected to make a formal announcement on the direction of the program today.

The move brings to eight the number of athletic department employees dismissed since men and women's athletic directors Val Hale and Elaine Michalis were fired in September 2004. It is the second head coach fired since Gary Crowton resigned under pressure in early December.

Lamb confirmed Wednesday night BYU released her from coaching duties during a meeting with senior associate athletic director Tom Holmoe and associate athletic director Janie Penfield. While no other employment was offered Lamb, wife of BYU assistant football coach Barry Lamb, she will be paid through the end of her contract in August 2005.

"I was told they wanted a change in direction that would benefit the student athlete. It was very unexpected; we had been practicing for three weeks, and this meeting was at 11 a.m. before our noon practice."

Holmoe told the Deseret Morning News Thursday night that an official announcement regarding the situation would be made today. He declined further comment.

Lamb's coaching record was 57-42 in 2 1/2 years since replacing the legendary Michaelis. Under Lamb, the Cougars went 14-19 in 2002 and 24-9 in 2003 and recently finished 19-14.

Lamb, whose husband was fired in the early 90s as part of San Diego State's football staff under Al Luginbill, said she understood the business and is OK with that part of it. "It's happened before with Barry, I guess it's my time for the honors. I've been a part of BYU for a long time. I especially wish the kids the best. They are a great group of people."

Lamb said when she got the BYU job, the team took some hits early by redshirting a lot of players on the first team. "At that time we were building for the future. It is sad not to be able to see that through with this group of kids. Two and a half years is a short time. It's sad because we worked really hard to recruit new players into the program and now won't be able to coach those players I recruited and played a big part in them being at BYU."

Lamb predicts BYU's women will be a very good team that is comprised of winners on and off the court.

An assistant to Michaelis for eight seasons preceding her promotion, Lamb has 20 years of collegiate coaching experience, including 12 years as a head coach, and two years coaching with the U.S. National Team.