In reality, the pair have been managing very little of the real business, having checked out a long time ago. Their myriad interests have diverged from running the business that allowed them to have myriad interests. (Google’s first “adult” supervision — the former Google chief executive Eric Schmidt — has also moved on.)

But in giving up their executive titles, Mr. Brin and Mr. Page will give up none of their power. The pair — who at times are still called “the boys” internally, even though they are both 46 — will remain on the board and will also continue to hold most of the company’s voting shares, giving them de facto control.

In their letter bidding this faux adieu, they played the role of two super-hip dads who were ready to say goodbye to the 21-year-old company they started in a garage (yes, as clichéd as it sounds, it was just that) to the hilt:

“While it has been a tremendous privilege to be deeply involved in the day-to-day management of the company for so long, we believe it’s time to assume the role of proud parents — offering advice and love, but not daily nagging!”

What an adorkable metaphor — even though they’ll keep nagging.

Still, the patient Mr. Pichai will finally be the face of the company, and in that he is like Satya Nadella of Microsoft and Tim Cook of Apple, both of whom were loyal lieutenants given the reins by charismatic leaders.