Brian Greif, general manager of KRON San Francisco, has decided to resign from the station, following weeks of consulting with doctors.

Greif, 53, who has worked in local television for more than 30 years, told TVNewsCheck that he will need extended recovery time and physical therapy for at least three months, following an unsuccessful back surgery this past summer. He says a second surgery could be necessary if the rest and therapy prove ineffective.

“KRON is a very special place and deserves a full-time manager,” Greif wrote in a memo to staff before Christmas.

A Media General spokesperson says a GM replacement hasn’t been made at the news-heavy station.

Greif, who points to helping build the Newsplex at WSVN Miami and developing the video journalist system at KRON as career highlights, remains determined not to call it a career.

“I’m not ready to stop working,” he says. “But right now, I still need help with the day-to-day activities.