Legendary analyst and former head coach Lee Corso will retire from College GameDay after his final show Aug. 30, having been a fixture on the program since its 1987 debut, ESPN announced Thursday.
"My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and College GameDay for nearly 40 years," Corso said in a statement. "I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories, and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement. ...
"ESPN has been exceptionally generous to me, especially these past few years. They accommodated me and supported me, as did my colleagues in the early days of College GameDay. Special thanks to Kirk Herbstreit for his friendship and encouragement. And lest I forget, the fans … truly a blessing to share this with them."
Corso, who turns 90 on Aug. 7, is known for his one-line quips and representing his team picks with headgear. He has a 286-144 all-time record across his 430 selections and donned various mascot heads, helmets, and costumes.
Corso suffered a stroke in 2009 that left him temporarily unable to speak, although he returned to the program later that year. His travel has also been limited in recent seasons.
"Coach Corso has had an iconic run in broadcasting, and we're all lucky to have been around to witness it. He has taught me so much throughout our time together, and he's been like a second father to me," College GameDay co-host Herbstreit said after working with Corso for 29 years. "It has been my absolute honor to have the best seat in the house to watch Coach put on that mascot head each week."
Corso served as a college and pro football coach for 28 years prior to his time with ESPN. As a head coach, he made stops at Indiana, Louisville, and Northern Illinois and in the USFL after starring at Florida State.