Gary Williams to retire?

Jeff Goodman is reporting that Maryland basketball coach Gary Williams is retiring. It's huge news as it's come after the offseason coaching carousel was thought to be over.

Before starting his long run at his alma mater of Maryland during the 1989-90 season, Williams coached American (4 seasons), Boston College (4 seasons) and Ohio State (3 seasons).

He will end his career with a record of 668-380.

Gary Parrish at CBS Sports has a bit more.

“It’s the right time,” Williams said. “My entire career has been an unbelievable blessing. I am fiercely proud of the program we have built here. I couldn’t have asked any more from my players, my assistant coaches, the great Maryland fans and this great university. Together, we did something very special here."

Williams spent 22 seasons at Maryland and led the Terrapins to the 2002 national championship while making 14 NCAA tournament appearances, seven Sweet Sixteens, two Elite Eights and two Final Fours. In recent years, though, he struggled recruiting the Washington D.C./Baltimore area and had grown tired of the summer culture where most high-major recruiting now takes place, a source said. Williams had not made the Sweet Sixteen since 2003. The Terrapins were 19-14 overall, 7-9 in the ACC last season. Their best player, Jordan Williams, announced on Wednesday that he is hiring an agent and staying in the 2011 NBA Draft.

The Maryland job is now the biggest available job from this offseason.

Coaches widely consider it to be one of the nation's best jobs because of its natural recruiting base.

We'll see who takes his spot. These will be some huge shoes to fill.