It's an understatement to say that Chris Harrison has had quite a week. In an interview with former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay on Feb. 9, Harrison ferociously defended Rachael Kirkconnell's attendance at a “Old South”-themed party on a plantation in 2018. He later apologized on Instagram a couple of days later. Then, on Saturday, Harrison announced he would be "stepping aside" for a period of time to get more educated on a "more profound and productive level than ever before."

We don't know what stepping aside looks like for the host — who at this point in time, has only confirmed that he would not be participating in the After the Final Rose special following the Bachelor finale — though it suggests that a return is certainly still on the table. But after a public response calling for the host to step down from his role — and Bachelor and Bachelorette casts releasing joint statements denouncing racism — could this be the moment for Harrison to leave The Bachelor and the franchise officially? And if so, what does a post-Chris Harrison Bachelor even look like?

Take A Moment To Say Your Goodbyes

Chris Harrison has been a part of the Bachelor from the jump, acting as host, sounding board, and de facto Dad to the 40+ leads that have hoped to find love through the reality show process. However, eventually, like all good things, Chris Harrison's time must come to an end, whether that be through misaligned press moments or retirement.