Bill Curry to Step Down at Georgia State

Georgia State will become a member of the Sun Belt Conference in 2013.

Coach Bill Curry won't be making that trip.

The 69 year old coach, who started the Panthers program two years ago, announced today he will retire at the end of the season.

Curry was a two time pro bowl center in the NFL with the Packers, Colts, Oilers and Rams.  He coached previously at Alabama, Kentucky and Georgia Tech.

Prior to agreeing to start the GSU program from scratch, he spent 11 years as an analyst with ESPN.

Curry called the Georgia State position a "labor of love."  He said his health is fine and he's looking forward to spending more time with family.

Curry was 9-13 in his first two seasons at GSU.  The Panthers' program was featured in a cover story in ESPN: The Magazine just prior to its inaugural game.  They closed their first season as an FCS member playing at Alabama.

Athletics Director Cheryl L. Levick says the school will conduct a national search for Curry's replacement.

Georgia State will compete in the Colonial Athletic Association this season and will officially join the Sun Belt on July 1, 2013.