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Legendary coach and longtime college football analyst Lou Holtz will not return to ESPN next season, a spokesperson for the network confirmed to Sports Illustrated on Sunday:

“Lou brought a champion’s perspective and a legacy of accomplishment to our coverage along with his distinctive style and humor. We appreciate his contributions and wish him all the best in the future.”

Holtz, 78, stated he would retire from broadcasting and studio work last summer but ESPN was unaware of that plan.

He last coached at South Carolina from 1999 to 2004. Holtz had worked for ESPN the past 11 years.

“Lou enjoyed his time and friendships made at ESPN and looks forward to other opportunities in college football,” Holtz’s agent, Sandy Montag, told SI.

Holtz joins College GameDay host Chris Fowler as the second high-profile analyst to leave ESPN’s Saturday crew this offseason.

We’re going to miss Dr. Lou and what he brings to the college football world.