WALTHAM, Mass. – After 47 seasons patrolling the sidelines, the last four as the assistant head coach and defensive backs coach at Bentley University, Leo Fanning has announced his retirement.

"Four-and-a half years ago, Leo joined our staff and brought an unbelievable amount of knowledge and experience to our football program," said Bentley head coach Bill Kavanaugh. "Since then, he committed to giving every ounce of energy towards making Bentley football the best he possibly could. Leo was a big part of our past success and his lessons to all of us will carry on in our future successes."

Fanning arrived at Bentley with a lengthy coaching resume that included nine years at Norwich University, 16 on the staff of the legendary Joe Restic at Harvard University and nine working with the late Dan Allen at the College of the Holy Cross.

The Marlboro resident and Bridgewater State College graduate began his coaching career at Bridgewater State in 1971 and has also served on the football staffs at Tufts University, Boston University and American International.

In January 2016, Fanning was honored by the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston with the John Baronian Award for Lifetime Contributions to Football. His list of accolades also includes the Bridgewater State Sports Achievement Award, the Gridiron Club's Assistant Coach of the Year Award and induction into the Bridgewater State Hall of Fame.

"Leo and his wife Patty gave our great sport 47 years of hard work and dedication," praised Kavanaugh. "They should both be congratulated on the number of lives they have been able to affect over that time."