WASHINGTON >> Jay Carney, the White House press secretary, is leaving his post as the public face of the administration, stepping down after shifting from two decades of reporting to politics at the highest levels, President Barack Obama said Friday.

Obama, who announced Carney’s departure, said Carney will be replaced by Carney’s deputy, Josh Earnest.

Obama called Earnest a person of "sound judgment and great temperament."

Carney, who fielded questions from the press moments after Obama left the lectern, said the timing of his departure was uncertain.

"I haven’t made any decisions yet," Carney said. "I’m excited by some of the possibilities. I’m sure you guys will be among the first to know after I’ve decided what to do."

"It’s been an amazing experience. Just so fulfilling," Carney said.

Despite coming from the White House press corps himself, Carney developed a sometimes contentious relationship with the news media, who often pressed Carney to say more than he was willing to about the president’s policies and decision-making.

Earnest, who has worked for Obama since his first campaign in 2008, was the obvious choice to replace Carney. He has stood in for Carney at times in the briefing room, and Carney said Earnest will go to Europe with the president next week.