After nearly seven years, Jerry Nikkel has retired from the Central College women’s basketball program, including the past three as head coach.

Nikkel informed the team of his decision late Thursday afternoon. Athletics director Al Dorenkamp said the college will conduct an immediate search for a replacement.

This season, The Dutch posted a 5-20 record and were 15-60 during Nikkel’s three seasons as head coach.

Prior to his time at Central, Nikkel racked up a 430-190 record as a high school boys’ basketball coach during his 29-year hall of fame career. He was at Marshalltown High School for 10 years, guiding the Bobcats to four state tournament appearances in six seasons. Nikkel also coached at Pella Christian High School for 20 years, winning state championships with the Eagles in 1990, 1992 and 1993.

Nikkel’s coaching career also included 19 seasons as a head softball coach between Pella Christian, Marshalltown and Knoxville, as he recorded a 475-352 career softball mark.