ORONO — Athletic Director Steve Abbott named a search committee today that will be charged with finding a new women’s basketball coach for the University of Maine.

Abbott fired former playing legend Cindy Blodgett last week following a 4-25 season, the program’s worst season on record.

Robert Cobb, a retired dean, will lead the seven-member committee.

Cobb retired in 2007 after 38 years of service, 30 as dean of the College of Education and Human Development.

“Bob is a leader of unquestioned integrity and commitment who truly appreciates the important role of intercollegiate athletics within an academic community,” said Abbott in a statement. “I am pleased and thankful that he is willing to take on this important responsibility.”

In addition to Cobb, the members of the search committee are:

• Scott Atherley, women’s soccer coach
• Josette Babineau, field hockey coach
• Emily Ellis, former women’s basketball player ’85
• Evie Smith, member of the Black Bear Board of Advisors
• Professor Robert Strong, Maine’s NCAA Faculty Representative
• Professor David Townsend, chair of Maine’s Athletic Advisory Board

Abbott also said that three team members will serve as liasons to the committee.

They are juniors: Samantha Wheeler, Samantha Baranowski and Brittany Williams.