One of the most familiar faces and voices of SEC football will step away from the game after one more season behind the microphone. CBS broadcaster Verne Lundquist announced that he would leave his Saturday college football role following the 2016 season.

Lundquist has both excited and agitated SEC football fans since he took over the lead play-by-play position in 2000. Whether you like to make jokes about 'Uncle Verne' as he's commonly called on Twitter, Lundquist has been the face and voice of SEC football during its most dominant era.

“Being a part of the SEC ON CBS since 2000 has been the most significant assignment I’ve been given in my more than five decades in this business,” Lundquist said in a press release. “Now, it’s time to step back and take in the aroma of those tulips, those roses, and those daffodils that friends have been telling me about for years. In 2017, I’ll happily step aside from college football and welcome Brad to the booth. I’ve known Brad for more than 30 years and have always admired his work ethic and his on-air presence. He shares the same passion for college football that I do. The SEC ON CBS is in great hands. Brad and Gary will form a great partnership in the years ahead.”

CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus made the announcement on Tuesday and confirmed that Lundquist will continue working with the network's bowl game broadcast as well as college basketball.

Beginning in 2017, former ESPN broadcaster Brad Nessler will bring his college football experience to the 'SEC on CBS' broadcasts and partner with Gary Danielson.

"We are fortunate to have one more football season to appreciate Verne’s one-of-a-kind storytelling as we pave the way for a seamless and smooth transition to Brad,” McManus said.

The 2016 schedule for CBS Sports should be released soon.

More From 95.3 The Bear