Wow. Matt Mansfield, deputy managing editor and business development director at the San Jose Mercury News, is leaving the paper.

It’s also one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. Without question, I love the Merc: the work, the people, the place.

Leaving here will be a heartbreaking end to an amazing ride and, yet, the time feels right to exit. The buyout seemed an appropriate moment to hit the reset button.

I must admit to being more than a little sad right now, but I think that’s just because I’m nostalgic for a time that was, ultimately, unsustainable. That’s the difficult truth for many of us in newspapers right now.

What amazes me, looking back on it, is how much of myself has become tied up in my Merc personality. I’m humbled by the work we have been able to do here. And I’m genuinely indebted to my colleagues — present and past — who have worked tirelessly to make the Merc smart, successful and daring. They made me look good every day.

At our best, I hope we were able to set a pretty high benchmark.

He says he's not quite sure what's next yet, other than finishing up some redesign work for the Merc and doing some consulting and traveling.

Matt's been a good friend of this blog over the years. Good luck, Matt! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

» He’s leaving the Merc: Matt Mansfield to exit [SND Update]