Bill Curry, Georgia State's head football coach since the program's inception in 2008, announced Aug. 15 that he will retire from coaching following the 2012 season.
"The opportunity to start a football program at a university that I love, in my hometown, and the privilege to coach these young men has been one of the highlights of my career," said Curry, who will turn 70 in October. "This has been a labor of love, but after this season, it will be the right time to step away from coaching. I am blessed with good health, but I am ready to move on to other things in my life and devote more time to my wife, Carolyn, and our children and grandchildren.
"I've said all along that I will fulfill my contract, and I intend to do that," continued Curry. "I am completely committed to coaching this season, and I'm energized by this team and the enormous challenge ahead of us."
Following the season, which concludes Nov. 10 at Maine, Curry will remain with the university, working with President Mark Becker, at least through the conclusion of his current contract, which runs until June 30, 2013.
Named head coach on June 12, 2008, Curry spent two years developing the program in preparation for the inaugural season of 2010, when his Panthers posted a winning record (6-5) while exceeding all expectations in terms of attendance, excitement and exposure. The program has a two-year record of 9-13, and this fall, after just two seasons of play, Georgia State begins its transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision and the Sun Belt Conference.
Here are some highlights of the legendary coach's time at Georgia State.