AUBURN | Clint Myers has coached his final game for the Tigers.

Auburn's softball coach on Wednesday announced that he plans to retire immediately. He recently had agreed to a contract extension through the 2023 season.

"After 40 years of coaching and reflecting on the importance of spending quality time with my wife, my children, and my grandchildren, I have decided to retire from a sport that I love dearly and which has brought so much joy to me,” Myers said in a release. "I have had the chance to coach many great student-athletes. I have seen them grow to be outstanding contributors to society. My time in coaching has been a source of great pride. I appreciate the opportunity to coach at Auburn and am proud of our successes. I know the program has a bright future. The community, and group of fans have been incredible and I have truly appreciated their support. Auburn is a special place."

The move is shocking. Myers, 65, guided Auburn to the NCAA Tournament during each of the past four seasons and spoke recently with AuburnSports.com about remaining with the program until at least his 70th birthday.

He finished 205-54-1 in four seasons on the Plains.

Athletic director Jay Jacobs said in Auburn's release that the search for Myers' successor will begin immediately. Possible candidates include Oklahoma State head coach Kenny Gajewski and longtime Oklahoma assistant Melyssa "Missy" Lombardi.