Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel officially announces retirement

Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel officially announced his retirement during a press conference on Monday.

Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel officially announced his retirement during a press conference on Monday.

Pinkel informed the public on Friday that he would be stepping away from his role with the Mizzou football program after the season in order to focus on his health. The 63-year-old was diagnosed with lymphoma in May and underwent multiple treatments in May and June.

Pinkel said he decided to finish out the 2015 season after doctors indicated that the treatments would not stop him from performing his coaching duties.

During the press conference, Pinkel said that he put off announcing his plan to retire so he would not be a distraction.

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"You're a tiger for life when you come to Mizzou." - Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel #LIVEonSC

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 16, 2015

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He will remain the head coach through Dec. 31, or until a new head coach is found.

Pinkel is the most successful head coach in the history of the Missouri program, leading the school to a 118–71 record over 15 seasons. He has posted a total record of 191–108–3 as a head coach, starting his career with Toledo in 1991.