The Chicago Cubs announced Wednesday Mike Quade won’t return as the team’s manager. In a statement, the Cubs new President of Baseball Operations, Theo Epstein, said, “While Mike is clearly an asset to any organization and any major league staff, Jed (Hoyer) and I believe that the Cubs would benefit long-term from bringing in a manager for 2012 who can come in with a clean slate and offer new direction.”

Quade has been with the Cubs for nine years. Last year, he was named manager of the ball team.

As for who will replace Quade in the dugout, Epstein said in his statement that the search will begin immediately.

“We are looking for someone with whom and around whom we can build a foundation for sustained success,” he said. “The next manager must have leadership and communication skills; he must place an emphasis on preparation and accountability; he must establish high standards and a winning culture; he must have integrity and an open mind; and he must have managerial or coaching experience at the major league level.”