Mark Richt is no longer the head coach at Miami.

InsideTheU and 247Sports has learned through multiple sources that Richt informed school officials on Sunday that he plans step away from the program and retire.

UM shortly after confirmed the news through a statement via Richt.

Dear Hurricane Family:

A few hours ago, I informed UM Director of Athletics Blake James that it is time for me to retire from coaching so I am stepping down as the Head Coach of UM Football. The decision came after a great deal of thought, discussions with my family, and prayer. This was my decision.

The University of Miami has been a part of my life for more than three decades. It shaped me as a young man and provided me with the coaching opportunity of a lifetime. My love for The U is simply great. My true desire is for our football program to return to greatness, and while terribly difficult, I feel that stepping down is in the best interests of the program.

I want to express my sincere appreciation to the entire Hurricane Family for welcoming me back home and for supporting the outstanding young men in our program. I only wish that we could have achieved greater things in return. I also want to thank President Frenk and Blake for their incredible support, as well as the outstanding men and women in UM Athletics. Most importantly, I want to thank the incredible coaches, staff, and their families who gave their all to The U each and every day, and our student-athletes, who wore The U jersey with pride and who worked hard towards their degree.

Katharyn and I will be cheering on the Canes in the years to come and The U will never leave our hearts.

Sincerely,

Mark Richt

Miami is coming off a disappointing 7-6 season which was highlighted by an embarrassing 35-3 loss to Wisconsin in the Pinstripe Bowl. The Hurricanes started the season ranked inside the Top10 of many preseason polls, but never seemed to get things going offensively despite having one of the country's top defenses.

InsideTheU and 247Sports also obtained Richt's message to his players.

Men:

I just informed Director of Athletics Blake James that I am stepping down as your head coach. I wish I could inform you in person but with everyone split around the country for break, text is the fastest way for you to learn of my decision and I want you to hear it first. Coaching you has been the honor of a lifetime and I am so grateful for your passion and dedication to excellence. I am confident that The U will find an outstanding head coach to lead your forward. Enjoy the New Year and your time off.

Richt went 26-13 in three years at his alma mater and after going 145-51 in 15 years at Georgia. He led the Canes to a 10-3 mark and Orange Bowl berth last season following an inaugural 9-4 campaign during his first season in Coral Gables.

More details forthcoming.