Lou Holtz, who had a distinctive, if occasionally indistinct, voice as a college football analyst on ESPN, will be leaving the network. As first reported by Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated, the parting of ways is the result of a mutual decision between the network and the former coach.

According to Deitsch’s report, ESPN issued this statement: “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.”

For the past few years, Holtz had been teamed with host Rece Davis and co-analyst Mark May for the network’s college football coverage. That crew had already been set for change, with Davis off to replace Chris Fowler on the popular “College GameDay.”

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May’s future is uncertain, as the former offensive lineman is an unpopular studio presence for many college football fans. Meanwhile, some will miss the 78-year-old Holtz’s folksy delivery, and others won’t miss moments like this:

Holtz had worked at ESPN since 2005, following a 33-year career as a college football head coach. He amassed a record of 249-132-7 in stops at William & Mary, N.C. State, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre Dame and South Carolina, and he went 12-8-2 in bowl games, including a national championship with the Irish in 1988.

Holtz also spent one abbreviated season in the NFL, leading the Jets to a 3-10 record in 1976. In the late 1990s, between his stints at Notre Dame and South Carolina, he first cut his teeth as a network analyst at CBS.

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