Former Nebraska quarterback and Liberty head coach Turner Gill unexpectedly announced his retirement on Monday, citing family health issues as the reason behind his decision.

Gill is stepping away from the coaching profession to take care of his wife, Gayle, who has a heart condition. A statement was released by Gill and Liberty University.

“It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my retirement from coaching,” Gill said in the release. “In the summer of 2016, my wife Gayle was diagnose with a heart condition. Both Gayle and I wanted to be here to help Liberty through their transition and we are so glad to have done so. We have come to the realization that it is now time for me to step away. I can’t put into words how much this coaching staff, support staff, and the players mean to us. We are so thankful for President Falwell, Becki Falwell and Ian McCaw and their support during our time here. They, as well as all of those mentioned, have been and will continue to be blessings in our lives. To God be the glory!”

Gill, 56, led Liberty to a 6-6 record in the program’s first season as an FBS Independent. He compiled a 47-35 overall record in seven seasons as the head coach. He also guided the program to the FCS Playoffs in 2014.

Before taking over at Liberty, Gill had prior stints at Buffalo and Kansas. In 13 seasons as a head coach at the college level, he posted a 72-84 record.

Gill was a quarterback on Tom Osborne’s Nebraska squad from 1980-1983. When he got back into coaching, he spent a significant amount of time on the Huskers’ staff. He was a graduate assistant with the 1989 team and eventually became the quarterbacks coach, serving in that position from 1992-2002. He remained on staff in 2003 and 2004, becoming the associate head coach and wide receivers coach.