Dan Roan

Dan Roan will cap a 45-year career in sportscasting — including the last 38 years as main sports anchor at WGN-Channel 9 — with his long-rumored retirement next month.

Dominick Stasi, news director of the Nexstar Media station, confirmed in an email to staff Monday that Roan's last day on the air would be May 26.

"For a long time, Dan's name has been synonymous with Chicago sports," Stasi wrote. "He's covered it all: the Jordan dynasty, three Blackhawks championships, World Series wins for the Sox and Cubs, and he got here just in time for the '85 Bears.

"Dan is a true pro on and off the air, and is one of the best writers I've ever worked with. We're going to miss his presence at the station and his influence on the newsroom. I want to thank Dan for all he's done for WGN over the years."

Roan, 68, could not be reached immediately for comment. But his retirement plans have been an open secret since last July when he told a reporter for his hometown paper in Keokuk, Iowa, that he'd be hanging it up sometime this year.

He began his career at WCIA, the CBS affiliate in Champaign, and joined WGN as sports anchor in 1984.

The move leaves WGN with two vacancies on its sports staff. As reported here earlier Monday, Lauren Magiera signed off Sunday after six years as sports anchor and reporter at WGN.

"We are working to replace both positions," Stasi said.