The whole of Oxford was rocked on Tuesday as the final curtain fell on David Cutcliffe’s legendary run.
The former Ole Miss head coach, who led players like Eli Manning, announced that he would be retiring on March 31 from his post as the Southeastern Conference’s Special Assistant to the Commissioner for Football Relations.
Cutcliffe joined the SEC in 2022 after serving as a head coach for teams like Ole Miss and Duke for over four decades.
Greg Sankey echoes Rebel Nation's emotions
It is in moments like these that the SEC awaits to hear what Greg Sankey has to say. And as expected, Sankey hit every right note for the Rebel faithful.
“David Cutcliffe has devoted more than four decades to shaping young men and strengthening the game of football, and his influence reaches far beyond wins and championships,” SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said.
“Throughout his career as a coach, mentor, and most recently as a special assistant in our SEC office, David has served college football with wisdom, integrity, and a genuine care for people.
“He is a teacher at heart and someone whose counsel and friendship have meant a great deal to many of us across the conference and throughout the game. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and the example he has set. I wish David and Karen every happiness in this well-earned retirement.”
Coming off a roughly three-year stint with the SEC, Cutcliff also expressed his gratitude towards the SEC, and everyone in general who was a part of his coaching career, big or small.
“I want to thank Commissioner Greg Sankey for this opportunity and the amazing team of people at the SEC office in Birmingham,” said Cutcliffe.
“It’s been a rewarding experience and a great group of teammates to end a football career with."
David Cutcliffe didn't just walk the sidelines in Oxford; he became part of the school's foundation, leaving behind a gold standard that will be the standard for every Rebel coach to follow.