The End of an Era: Lee Corso to Retire After 38 Years on College GameDay

Oct 1, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Lee Corso during the ESPN College Gameday broadcast prior to the game between the Clemson Tigers and the Louisville Cardinals. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-Imagn Images

Just a few moments ago, ESPN made the dreaded announcement that we all knew would come someday. Coach Lee Corso is saying goodbye after 38 incredible years. Coach Corso is beloved across this nation and, in my opinion, is the main reason most people ever watched College GameDay.

I grew up as a young boy in Ridgely, Tennessee, waiting to see Coach on the screen every Saturday morning during the college football season. Most weekends, I would only tune in for the final segment or two just to make sure I didn't miss his iconic headgear pick, something he started doing back in 1996. It became a ritual, not just for me, but for millions of fans across the country.

Coach Corso will turn 90 years old in August and plans to do one final show before riding off into the sunset. Week One, August 30th, will be his last. And as far as I’m concerned, ESPN has only one real choice for that final location. It’s a no-brainer. It should be Clemson, where the Tigers will host the Tigers from the bayou, LSU. What better setting than Death Valley for a legendary sendoff?

Coach Corso expressed his gratitude to all who have supported him over the years:

“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. ESPN gave me this wonderful opportunity and provided me the support to ensure success. I am genuinely grateful.” (Quote via espnpressroom.com)

As Coach prepares to hang up the mascot heads for the final time, one thing is certain, Saturday mornings will never be the same. His energy, his passion, and his unforgettable catchphrase, “Not so fast, my friend!”, will echo through the hearts of college football fans forever.

Thank you, Coach Corso. For the laughs, the memories, and for making every Saturday feel special.