DENVER - University of Denver men's soccer head coach Bobby Muuss has accepted the head coaching job at Wake Forest University, Vice Chancellor of Athletics, Recreation and Ritchie Center Operations Peg Bradley-Doppes announced Thursday. Denver will begin a national search immediately. Assistant coach Jamie Franks has been named the interim head coach, Bradley-Doppes also announced.

Muuss took over the DU program for the 2007 campaign, following a six-year stint as the top assistant and recruiting coordinator at Wake Forest.

"On behalf of the entire division, I'd like to thank Bobby for his hard work and dedication while leading the men's soccer program at DU," Bradley-Doppes said. "He's laid down a strong foundation of success for the program that we will look to build upon going forward. We wish Bobby all the best in his future endeavors, as this is a tremendous opportunity for him and his family to be able to return to Wake Forest."

Muuss served as the head man for the Pioneers for eight seasons, most recently leading the program to back-to-back Summit League regular season and tournament crowns. Muuss finished his DU tenure with a 74-56-25 record and was 34-16-9 in league play as the Pioneer boss.

Denver's 2014 bid into the NCAAs marked the first time the program has played in consecutive tournaments. This season's NCAA bid was the fourth under his stewardship, while 2014 also marked the third-consecutive double digit win season for the Pioneers and the fifth in eight seasons under Muuss. In 2013, the three-time league coach of the year led the Pioneers to 13 wins (13-3-4), the most victories in program history.

"Without the great opportunity given to me by Peg, Ron [Grahame, Vice Chancellor for Sport Supervision and Internal Operations] and this university eight years ago, I wouldn't be in this position that I am in today," Muuss said. "Our players, my staff, the administration and the University gave myself and this men's soccer program the chance to be successful and accomplish the things we have in my time here. Lastly, I'd like to thank my former and current staff and players for everything they've done to make this a successful eight years at DU. I loved every minute at the University of Denver but am looking forward to the next chapter of my coaching career at Wake Forest."

The Pioneers were undefeated at CIBER Field at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium in 2014, and have fashioned a 17-match winning streak on their home pitch dating back to September 22, 2013.

Off the field, Denver has earned six-straight NSCAA Team Academic Awards, and has produced two Capital One Academic All-Americans under Muuss.

Former Pioneer Zach Bolden's fourth-round selection by the Chicago Fire in the 2014 MLS Super Draft marked the fifth Pioneer to be taken in the last six drafts.

-JOIN THE DENVER PIONEER NATION-

Like Denver Pioneers and Denver Men's Soccer on Facebook

Follow @DU_Pioneers and @DU_MSoccer on Twitter