GREENSBORO, N.C. – John Swofford, who has been the ACC’s commissioner since 1997, will retire at the end of the 2020-21 school year, the ACC announced in a news release on Thursday.

Swofford, who was the athletic director at UNC from 1980-97, is the longest tenured commissioner in the conference’s 67-year history.

“It has been a privilege to be a part of the ACC for over five decades and my respect and appreciation for those associated with the league throughout its history is immeasurable,” Swofford said in a statement.

Swofford was instrumental in the league expanding from nine to 15 schools during his tenure. He was also involved in the evolution of the College Football Playoff.

Swofford is a native of North Wilkesboro and played football at North Carolina.

“Commissioner Swofford has guided the ACC through many challenges including expansion and the launch of ACC Network, thus positioning the conference for continued success well into the future. Our entire league owes so much of its success to his steady hand and thoughtful leadership,” N.C. State Chancellor Randy Woodson said in a statement.