US Soccer federation chief Sunil Gulati announced on Monday that the option on US Women's National Team boss Greg Ryan's deal will not be picked up, meaning he will officially be out of the post at year's end.

As the team concluded their 2007 schedule with Saturday's 1-1 draw against Mexico in Albuquerque, Ryan has coached his last game for the Lady 'Nats, who regroup in January to begin preparations for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

Having been named to the job in January 2005, Ryan leaves with a 45-1-9 record, though his tenure may best be remembered for the failure to win the crown at World Cup 2007.

The coach also drew fire for lifting starting keeper Hope Solo before their semifinal loss to Brazil and the resulting controversy, but Gulati would not lay the decision on any one factor.

"At the conclusion of each world championship cycle, every national team's performance is closely analyzed," he told reporters.

"There are many factors considered in this analysis, and it certainly isn't just about one loss or one particular coaching decision."

"In this case, after looking closely at the last six weeks and the team's performance at the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup, we have made a decision to change leadership of the US Women's National Team. I want to thank Greg Ryan and his staff for their work over the last two-plus years."

As is typical, Gulati would not be drawn into discussing any potential candidates, but the early names mentioned as likely replacement include former Sweden and WUSA coach Pia Sundhage and Tony DiCicco, who led the USWNT to the 1996 World Cup title.

"We'll hire the best possible person we can, whether that's an American, someone based in the United States or someone abroad," he declared. "We're looking for two things: someone who can make sure we're ready for qualification and ultimately the Beijing Olympics, and someone who can carry the program forward developmentally over the long term."

"We'll look anywhere and everywhere, but we've got a time issue, so I think it would be someone with American experience and someone who has been involved in a national team level, whether it's in the US or abroad."