Breaking News: Georgia coach Andy Landers announces retirement

In a somewhat surprising move, Georgia coach Andy Landers has announced his retirement. After a dissappointing season this year in which they finished 6-10 in the SEC, and most likely will not get a berth in the NCAA tournament, many still felt that Landers would be back next year.

Here is some of the  excerpt regarding the  announcement:

"I feel blessed to have had the privilege of working at the University of Georgia for the past 36 years," Landers said. "Athens is a wonderful community where I have raised my family and had the unwavering support of my wife Pam, my daughter Andrea and my son Drew. I appreciate the support of a wonderful Bulldog Nation...our loyal fans...and the Fastbreak Club members. I owe a special thanks to Coach Vince Dooley for entrusting me with the challenge of building a successful program 36 years ago and to Greg McGarity for continuing that trust and support. A big thank you to Hugh Durham for being a young coach's mentor...to Presidents Davison, Knapp, Adams and Morehead for their guidance and leadership...to all my former and present staff members and coaches who worked tirelessly to help make the success that we have a reality.

"But most of all, I want to thank each and every player for committing to the challenge of being the best they could be...because in so doing they contributed to and established a tradition that fewer than a handful can match. They created a program that ranks among the most elite nationwide. I want to say once more that each and every honor that has come my way is the result of unselfish individuals who believed their team and the name on the front of their jersey was more important than the name on the back. Once again, thanks to everyone who has contributed to and supported Georgia Basketball...just like this University, you're special."

"Andy has led our women's basketball program on an incredible journey for 36 years, and his Women's Basketball Hall of Fame recognition in 2007 is a testimony to his impact on the world of women's college basketball," said J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Greg McGarity. "Andy has poured his heart and soul into our program, and his dedication to the remarkable athletic and academic progress of his student-athletes is sincerely appreciated by everyone associated with UGA. I will also miss working alongside my good friend. We wish Andy and Pam the very best as he heads into retirement."

"I am very appreciative of the many contributions Andy has made to the University of Georgia," said UGA president Jere W. Morehead. "Aside from his remarkable achievements in athletic competition, I am especially thankful for the importance he has placed on the academic achievement of our student-athletes. It is a tremendous accomplishment that every four-year letterwinner Andy has coached has graduated from the University of Georgia. I am grateful for his many years of service to UGA."

Landers was named Georgia's full-time head coach on April 24, 1979, and he quickly turned a fledgling program into a national powerhouse.

Landers just completed his 36th season at the helm at Georgia. He retires with a record of 944 victories in his coaching career.