CBS News is keeping one of its most notable personalities a little while longer. In an interview with CBS19 News on Sunday, Schieffer says his original plans to retire have since changed, and he plans to be with CBS News and Face the Nation "for the foreseeable future."

In a statement released by CBS News late Monday afternoon, CBS News President Sean McManus said "Bob has been an integral part of our coverage of Washington—and especially politics--for nearly 40 years, he is one of the most respected journalists in our business and is a favorite with viewers around the country. I’m extremely pleased that Bob will continue to play a key role at CBS News for years to come."

Still unclear is the fate of CBS' Katie Couric. Schieffer anchored the CBS Evening News for the transition period between Dan Rather and Katie Couric in a time that saw rising ratings for the evening news broadcast. Since Couric has taken over the show, the ratings lead garnered by Schieffer have evaporated.

Specific details about any new role for Schieffer with the network are not imminently clear. When asked about about a possible successor for "Face the Nation," Schieffer did not want to throw out any names.

In a time when the cable news networks have essentially claimed ownership to the most comprehensive coverage of politics, Schieffer says there still is a relevant need for the evening national news broadcasts. Whether or not he ends up back at the helm of one remains to be seen.