Craig Stern was promoted from within in February 2013 after a long hiring process. His Oles were 6-34 in four seasons, including 2-8 in 2016. St. Olaf athletics photo

St. Olaf coach Craig Stern was relieved of his duties on Wednesday as the college announced it would move in a different direction with the program.

Stern spent 13 seasons at St. Olaf, including the last four as head coach. The Oles compiled a 6-34 overall and a 3-29 MIAC record in his tenure at the helm.

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Stern came to St. Olaf in 2004 and served in a variety of roles in the football program, including defensive backs coach, recruiting coordinator, defensive coordinator, and associate head coach. As an assistant, Stern helped the Oles to nine straight seasons at .500 or better. St. Olaf had three straight 8-2 seasons from 2005 to 2007 and another in 2011.

"We appreciate Craig's effort and his dedication to St. Olaf," said athletic director Ryan Bowles. "After careful consideration, we decided to move ahead with a change in leadership."

Defensive coordinator Justin Lerfald has been named interim head coach as the college begins a national search for Stern's replacement.