Gary Pinkel announced Friday that he would be retiring at season's end due to health concerns following a lymphoma diagnosis in May. Pinkel is one of the most respected coaches in the country and has led Mizzou since 2001.
Following his announcement, a number of Pinkel's former players and colleagues took to Twitter to offer support for his health and thank him for what he did as a coach.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey released a statement on Pinkel's impending retirement.
"Gary Pinkel has been a credit to the game of football and the kind of person we hold high as an example of how college athletics can make a difference in young people's lives," said Sankey. "He is a leader who coaches character with the same intensity he coaches football. Gary was an instrumental figure in transitioning Missouri into the Southeastern Conference and I thank him for his work, his dedication to student-athletes and his service to the SEC."
Georgia coach Mark Richt also posted a message on Twitter.
My prayers go out to Gary Pinkel for his health. I wish him the best as he moves forward. Great Coach, and Great Colleague!
— Mark Richt (@MarkRicht) November 13, 2015
Alabama coach Nick Saban released a statement as well.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Gary and his family in terms of his health," Saban said in a statement. "With Gary stepping down at the end of the season, we are losing one of the great leaders in our profession at developing and preparing student-athletes for both football and life. Gary is a former teammate and a great friend, and we wish him and his family the very best in the future and look forward to having a great friendship for a long time."
Many of Pinkel's current and former players offered support to Pinkel and thanked him for helping and coaching them. During his time at Mizzou, Pinkel led the Tigers to five seasons of 10+ wins, including two that led to back-to-back SEC East titles in 2013-14.
Max Copeland, as expected, bringing the heat: pic.twitter.com/EAUZDgB9Qu
— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) November 13, 2015
Can't even begin to express all emotions that I'm going through right now. Coach Pinkel was a father figure to me....I know he will fight!!
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) November 13, 2015
He taught me so much more than just the game of football. Truly one of my mentors both on & off the field. He really lives 4 his players.
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) November 13, 2015
This sums up exactly how I'm feeling about my head coach, @GaryPinkel right now. pic.twitter.com/RPKtkDVaBr
— T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) November 13, 2015
Heartbreaking.... Gary Pinkel is Missouri football. He's been a father and leader to many of us. I'm in shock. https://t.co/alMI8D7Nzu
— T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) November 13, 2015
Gary Pinkel's final act as a head coach? Supporting his players regardless of what he thought or felt about a situation.
— T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) November 13, 2015
A photo posted by Justin Britt (@justinbritt68) onNov 13, 2015 at 2:21pm PST
A piece of me just died. A hole in my heart that may never be filled!
— L'Damian Washington (@Fe_Verdadera2) November 13, 2015