Assistant coach Dennis Nagan has been named Lawrence's interim head women's basketball coach, athletic director Mike Szkodzinski announced Wednesday, March 17.

Nagan, who joined the Lawrence staff before the 2009-10 season, takes over for Marc Heidorf, who was dismissed after two seasons. Heidorf compiled a 3-43 record with the Vikings. Lawrence had gone 32-16 in the two seasons immediately preceding his hiring.

"We are excited that Dennis has taken the opportunity to lead our women's basketball program," Szkodzinski said. "With Dennis' knowledge of the current players, the players that we are currently recruiting and the overall program, we believe this will provide the continuity the women's basketball team needs to keep it moving forward in a successful manner."

Assistant coach Kelly O'Keef, who has been with the Vikings for two seasons, also will remain on the staff, Szkodzinski said.

A native of Kaukuana, Wis., Nagan has been coaching women's basketball for nearly three decades. Nagan began coaching in 1981 at the middle school level and has coached both high school and AAU teams. Before coming to Lawrence, Nagan served as an assistant coach at De Pere High School and helped the Redbirds to WIAA State Tournament berths in 2008 and 2009. Nagan also has worked with teams at Appleton East High School, Bay Port High School and Appleton Xavier High School.