Tallahassee, FL (Sports Network) - Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews announced on Tuesday he will retire after the 2009 season.

Andrews was hired by now-legendary head coach Bobby Bowden back in 1984 to orchestrate FSU's vaunted defense that led the program to national championships in 1993 and 1999.

"He's been here 26 years and we've had such success and you just have to credit him with the success we've had since he came," longtime FSU head coach Bobby Bowden said. "He's done such a great job. We'll miss him and his wife and family. He's a good church man and a good civic man and always has his priorities in order and puts his family ahead of football. He's a guy that has never slowed down. He's just as enthusiastic now as he was when he came here."

The 68-year-old Andrews was named associate head coach in 2002. He coached 18 first round NFL Draft picks in his first 25 years at Florida State, nine coming in the top-10.

"This is my last year as a football coach at Florida State. It has been a wonderful experience. We have been blessed," Andrews said. "I especially want to thank all the players who gave so much of themselves to make this program so successful through the years."