WWBT is shuffling its evening anchor lineup as longtime newsman Gene Cox steps aside after more than three decades with the Richmond NBC-affiliate.

Curt Autry (near right), who currently anchors the 5:30 and 11 p.m. newscasts, will move into Cox’s familiar spot at 5 and 6, joining Sabrina Squire. 4 p.m. anchor Ryan Nobles (far right), who also handles the WWBT-produced 10 p.m. newscast on WRLH, will take over for Autry at 5:30.

“Gene has been a good friend and mentor since I arrived at NBC12, I’m honored and humbled to be following in his footsteps,” Autry said about replacing Cox, who announced in April that he would be leaving the WWBT anchor desk.

“I am excited about a new career challenge,” Nobles tweeted yesterday, announcing his move to 5:30.