Jim Rome personally announced his departure from ESPN on Twitter today to his 641,000 followers.

ROME TV ANNOUNCEMENT: I've signed a multi-year deal with CBS and will host a new daily program, "ROME" ON CBS Sports Network.

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Jim Rome (@jimrome) January 11, 2012

I will also be hosting a new sports and entertainment series on SHOWTIME.

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Jim Rome (@jimrome) January 11, 2012

And I will be contributing to CBS Sports' coverage of the NFL, NCAA basketball and U.S. Open Tennis Championships as well as other events.

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Jim Rome (@jimrome) January 11, 2012

I had a great run at ESPN. I appreciate all the opportunities and support I was given there. Our last JRIB show is Jan. 27.

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Jim Rome (@jimrome) January 11, 2012

The controversial talk show host will make his debut with the network by providing feature content surrounding CBS’ coverage of the NCAA Tournament. USA Today reports that his basketball coverage will lead into an eventual weekday talk show on CBS Sports Network, which will have a similar format to the one he previously hosted on ESPN.

Speculation abounded this afternoon that fiery personality Jim Rome and his “Jim Rome Is Burning” show were parting ways with ESPN, and Rome confirmed that speculation tonight, taking to Twitter to announce his goodbye.

I want to thank ESPN for the opportunity to host JRIB & all the support I received over the years. I'm looking forward to future endeavors.

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Jim Rome (@jimrome) January 07, 2012

Sources told The Big Lead that Rome was presented with a multi-year contract offer but declined. “JRIB” will now move over to the CBS Sports Network, with Rome having an expanded role at the network beyond the show.

Rome, 47, has hosted the nationally-syndicated “Jim Rome Show” on terrestrial radio since 1996. He had an eight-year run on ESPN, with a brief hiatus in 2004.