T-Mobile’s trash-talking CEO John Legere will be stepping down in April, a decision industry watchers say could harm the company’s controversial $26 billion merger with Sprint.

In a statement, T-Mobile said that Legere would be stepping down on May 1, 2020, replaced by current Chief Operating Officer Mike Sievert.

“I personally want to thank John for all he has done for me and for the T-Mobile brand, our customers, employees, partners, and investors,” Sievert said. “John is a one-of-a-kind, visionary leader who has redefined the role of CEO and demonstrated how to use it to create positive change for customers, employees, and investors alike.” Early on, Legere was applauded for being a stark contrast to decades of personality-optional telecom executives. From telling CES attendees his competitors offerings were a “crock of shit,” to Christmas video cards mocking AT&T and Verizon as purveyors of “bullshit,” Legere’s brash demeanor was an entertaining shift for a typically dull sector. Under Legere’s leadership, T-Mobile branded itself as a consumer-friendly “uncarrier” alternative to the bigger, more traditional players. And initially, the company’s efforts had a very clear and positive impact on the U.S. wireless sector, including the elimination of expensive roaming costs, long-term contracts and at least some of the sector’s sneaky fees.

Modern T-Mobile was born from the remnants of the DOJ’s decision to block AT&T from buying T-Mobile in 2011. The blocking of the deal forced AT&T to pay a $4 billion break up fee, money then used to propel T-Mobile to success. Ironically, a company born out of government opposition to wireless consolidation is now pushing for one of the most controversial megadeals in industry history. The shift, driven largely by T-Mobile majority owner Deutsche Telekom, forced Legere into a role that’s in stark contrast to the brash, consumer-friendly persona he’d built since 2012. Former FCC lawyer Gigi Sohn told Motherboard Legere may just be leaving while he’s on top. But she also said his absence undermines past promises that he’d help ensure the merged company continues to be disruptive post merger.

“Legere stepping down could have an impact if T-Mobile keeps making the argument that being a maverick is in T-Mobile’s DNA because of his leadership and that somehow the company will keep vigorously competing with lower prices and more innovative services even after it becomes as big as AT&T and Verizon,” she said. “I’ve never bought that argument, but it sure has less power if he’s leaving early next year.”

While the DOJ and FCC have already approved the merger, Matt Wood, a lawyer at consumer group Free Press, told Motherboard Legere’s absence would likely be highlighted by the bipartisan coalition of 13 state AGs currently suing to stop the deal.