After a nearly 40-year run at DePaul, Eugene Lenti has retired as the Blue Demons' head softball coach.

“I am announcing at this time, that effective immediately, I am retiring and stepping down from my position as head softball coach at DePaul University,” Lenti said in a statement Tuesday. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the athletic department, administration, staff, and all my fellow coaches for their support throughout the years.”

The university confirmed Lenti's abrupt retirement. DePaul announced it will conduct a nationwide search for his replacement.

Lenti guided the Blue Demons to over 1,300 victories and two consecutive Big East Championships.