Jim Gavin will leave the Dublin job with no regrets, but felt it was time to leave to allow the side he built to grow further.
Gavin, who was today named Signify Manager of the Year, announced that he was stepping down from the role last Saturday after leading his county to a historic five consecutive All-Ireland titles.
Adding a 2013 All-Ireland win to the five-in-a-row gives Gavin six Celtic crosses in total as a manger, to add to seven Leinster titles, and five National Leagues, as well as three All-Ireland under-21 titles.
The Round Towers man has had a consistent involvement in inter-county football since his Dublin debut in 1992, jumping straight into coaching in the underage setup after his playing days were done.
But he has decided to end his near-three decade stint with the setup because, according to the man himself, it is "what's best for the team".
Speaking at the Signify Sports Manager of the Year awards, Gavin said: "I don't have any regrets, that's for sure.
"I gave it my all for as long as I could, and I'm just really excited now for 2020, excited for the team and to see what will happen with them.
"After every campaign, after every Championship run, you have reflect upon the season that's gone.
"I took that time to deliberate what's best for me, for my family, for my work, and also for the football team as well.
"I suppose the conclusion that I came up with at the end was what's best for the team to be in the best space to go again was simply to hand the reins on.
"I've been involved for twelve years as a manager of Dublin football teams. It's been a massive part of my life, I've loved every moment of it.
"I had a great journey great times, worked with a phenomenal, exceptional group of players. I'm just really honoured for them to have been able to share my coaching and managerial term with me.
"I've been surrounded by a great management team, fantastic management team who support me really, really well, and help create an environment for the players to feel their best."
Questions have been asked in the aftermath of the 48-year-old's departure about the factors that led to his decision.
But Gavin himself insists that a lack of time and commitment on his side was never one of those factors, despite the steady increase in the job's demands over his time in the setup.
"It's a choice you make," he said.
"I've gotten very busy professionally in aviation, I love what I do in that.
"I volunteered my time, I put my name forward, I was selected many years ago by the panel, and I'm really proud of being involved with it."
And can Dublin fans expect Gavin to be in the stands with them next year?
"I'm sure I will," he said.
"I'll go with the kids, I'm sure they'll tell me how it's done."
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