Vincet D’Onofrio will hand over his TV cop badge on Law & Order Criminal Intent next season.

D’Onofrio is poised to depart his role as Detective Robert Goren early in the show’s ninth season on USA Network next spring. The star has portrayed the brilliant investigator on the popular crime drama since 2001 The Fly’s Jeff Goldblum, who joined the series last season, may remain as lead detective and could be joined by Saffron Burrows, replacing Julianne Nicholson

“After eight seasons, and with the addition of Jeff Goldblum, now is the perfect time for me to explore other acting opportunities and I leave the show knowing it is in great hands with Jeff,” Vincent said in a statement late Friday.

But he has assured fans his character won’t be killed off: “I wouldn’t be surprised if Goren pops up from time to time.”

Criminal Intent stars Kathryn Erbe and Eric Bogosian are also expected to be “phased out” as part of the show’s restruction next season.