Longtime Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley is retiring. It was first reported by the Associated Press’ Mark Long.

The University has now confirmed the news via a release.

Foley’s replacement won’t take over until October 1.

Foley has been at Florida since 1981, serving as the athletic director since 1992. Prior to serving as the athletic director, Foley served as the assistant athletic director from 1981-1986 and the associate athletic director from 1986-1992.

The university released quotes from Foley’s decision:

“After a long period of thought and consideration, I have made a decision to retire as the Athletics Director effective October 1, 2016. As difficult as a decision it has been to make, I know the time is right.

“So many memories. Of championships won. Of teams setting goals and then achieving them. The passion shown by Florida fans across the state, nation and world. Those letters or emails from student-athletes after they receive their degrees, so appreciative of their Gator experience.

“Those are what I’ll take with me because they are a part of me. This is a special place built by the effort, passion and drive of our coaches and student-athletes.

“What a privilege it has been to be a part of this athletic program. It’s never been a job – the relentless energy from the student-athletes and coaches ensured that. I’ve worked with some of the best in the business and met some truly outstanding people. I’ve been part of some memorable Gator events and Championships. I came to work every day with a staff full of friends and we’ve shared every emotion along the way. I have been truly blessed with a career I have loved at a place I love.

“But now it is time for me to step aside. I firmly believe that after 25 years with one leader, new thoughts and new ideas will continue to move this program forward. Timing is as good as it can be because currently we have a tremendous group of coaches and professional staff. As good as there is in the country. New leadership will inherit an incredibly talented group of people. Our budget is in good shape. All of our programs are achieving at the highest level. We are being successful without sacrificing our integrity. We are a positive reflection on the institution.

“As hard as it is for me personally, as this organization and this career has been my life’s work, it is time for me to personally move forward in a new direction. I firmly believe my time as Athletics Director is ending so that I can move into the next phase of my life. And I eagerly look forward to this next phase.

“But I’ll still be watching – and cheering – because I’ll always be a Gator.”

Under Foley’s watch, the Gators have won 27 national titles.

“Jeremy’s amazing accomplishments as athletics director are well known, and the university is very grateful to him for the national championships, a winning sports program that is highly ranked year after year, and the growth of women’s sports,” UF president Kent Fuchs said in a release. “Jeremy also has a well-deserved reputation for recruiting the nation’s most talented coaches and building an athletic association that is recognized as among the very best in the country.

“What I especially appreciate about Jeremy, however, is his integrity and his commitment to our students. Success to Jeremy is a student-athlete who graduates and wins championships in the right way. That is the culture he created here over his 25-year career and it is what we will remember.”

The timing of the Foley announcement makes us wonder if Gators great Steve Spurrier is a candidate. What do you think?