The Phoenix Mercury announced today that Head Coach Carrie Graf’s contract which expired at the end of the 2005 season will not be renewed. The two parties decided not to enter into a new contract and the search for a new head coach will begin immediately.

Graf, who posted a 33-35 record in two seasons in Phoenix, will return to her native Australia to serve as Head Coach of the Canberra Capitals of the Women’s National Basketball League – a position she held for three seasons (2000-02).

“Our commitment is to bring a WNBA Championship to Phoenix,” said Robert Sarver, the Mercury and Phoenix Suns Managing Partner. “In the last two seasons the Mercury have gone from a team that won just eight games to the doorstep of the playoffs. We will begin the search immediately for the person who can take us to the next level in our effort to bring a championship to our very loyal fans.”

The Mercury finished one game out of the playoffs for the second straight season, with their post-season hopes coming down to the final day both years.

“I’m proud of what I accomplished with the Mercury the last two seasons and I’m leaving the team in a strong position for the future,” said Graf, “but we didn’t achieve our goal of getting this team to the playoffs. Although we had many unfortunate events this year, such as late player arrivals and injuries to our key players, we couldn’t get it done down the stretch.

“I am very thankful to the organization for giving me this opportunity and I wish this great group of players here all the success they’ve earned a chance to enjoy.”

“We would like to thank Carrie for everything she has given our organization the last two years as head coach and the previous five as an assistant,” said Mercury General Manager Seth Sulka. “We have one of the most exciting group of players in the league in Diana Taurasi, Penny Taylor, Anna DeForge and Kamila Vodichkova. Our fans have been tremendously supportive over the years and deserve to see the Mercury return to our winning ways and the success we have enjoyed in the past.”