Southern Mississippi coach Corky Palmer announced Thursday that he will retire at the end of this season. He will continue to work with the athletics program in a part-time role, raising funds for the baseball team and taking on other projects.

Palmer has a 445-272 career record over 12 seasons, ranking second on the school’s all-time wins list. He has guided the Golden Eagles to regionals seven times, including the last six years in a row. Palmer also has been involved with $4.5 million in improvements to Pete Taylor Park, including a clubhouse and office complex, a new press box and suits, and an upgraded scoreboard.

"Corky will go down in the record books as one of the most successful coaches in any sport at Southern Miss," athletics director Richard Giannini said in a statement. "More importantly is the quality, integrity and character of this man. He has been a great mentor and friend to countless student-athletes, assistant baseball coaches, other sports coaches and administrative staff members."

Southern Miss has not named a replacement, but associate head coach Scott Berry would be a logical choice. Berry, who is in his eighth year at USM, has done a terrific job with USM’s pitching staff over the last six years and has been associate head coach for the last five years.