Chuck Gerber, SEC consultant and former ESPN executive, dies at 71

Former ESPN executive Chuck Gerber died Friday at the age of 71.

After working at ESPN for 15 years, Gerber retired from the company in 2008 to work as a consultant with the SEC. While with the conference he helped negotiate TV contracts as a part of a role that handled media issues.

"Chuck Gerber was part of the SEC family, a trusted advisor and a friend. Chuck helped usher in a new era of television for the SEC," SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement. "His media knowledge and expertise were matched only by his humor and candor. Chuck will be missed greatly by everyone in the SEC and by many in college athletics. Our prayers and sympathies are with his family."

Gerber was a key contributor in the creation of ESPNU, the SEC Network and the College Football Awards, which will celebrate its 25th year in December.

"Chuck Gerber was a gifted producer and executive who cared deeply about the people he worked with," Burke Magnus, ESPN executive vice president, programing and scheduling, said in a statement. "He was one of the most vibrant personalities in the sports media business and a true visionary at ESPN for many years. His impact on college sports in particular continues to serve fans today, and will for decades to come."

Gerber is survived by his wife, Daryl, three children and four grandchildren.